‘Affordable’ cancer treatment hit by Pulwama attack

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Apr 23: The Pulwama attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in February this year seems to have scared the scores of cancer patients who would visit Kashmir for an affordable treatment as their number drastically declined.
The doctors said that after the attack only one patient came to Kashmir for treatment. “I am working in Kashmir for the last several years and have treated cancer patients from the different parts of the country. However, no one from outside came here for treatment after the attack. Last week we received only one patient who received treatment and is going home tomorrow. I want to give a message to all the cancer patients to come here for treatment without any fear and we ready to treat them here,” Dr Qazi Ashraf, a well-known oncologist said, adding that they are upholding the tradition of hospitality and brotherhood that Kashmir is known for. Click here to watch video
He added the situation has not worsened to the extent that innocents and tourists would be harmed. “Roads are clear for tourist here. They can come through any road and get a cheap treatment here,” he said.
Anil Kumar, a cancer patient, from Bihar receiving treatment at a local hospital here said that he did not feel anything wrong here. “I came easily by road, no one harmed me.   I want people to come here for affordable surgery as the place is safe for outsiders. I did not face any problem here. People are friendly and helpful,” he said.
The son of the patients said that he came to know about the doctor and place after researching about cancer and treatment on the internet.