Shimla: In a groundbreaking move, the Himachal Pradesh government has declared free treatment and medicines for cancer patients across the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made this significant announcement during the inaugural meeting of the State Advisory Board on Cancer and Palliative Care Program.
Key Highlights:
- Free Medicines for Cancer Patients:
- The state government will provide 42 essential medicines free of cost to cancer patients in government hospitals.
- Among these medicines is the Trastuzumab vaccine, crucial for cancer treatment, which typically costs around Rs 40,000. A breast cancer patient requires 18 such vaccines annually.
- To ensure accessibility, the government will allocate approximately Rs 7 lakh per patient for this vaccine. These medicines will be available in government hospitals near patients’ homes.
- Strengthening Cancer Treatment Facilities:
- Chief Minister Sukhu approved a budget of Rs 300 crore to enhance cancer treatment infrastructure in the state.
- Specific allocations include:
- Rs 75 crore for developing the infrastructure of the Center of Excellence, Cancer Care Hamirpur.
- Rs 75 crore for establishing a bone marrow transplant facility in Chamiyana, Shimla.
- Rs 150 crore for procuring world-class cancer treatment equipment at the Center of Excellence in Hamirpur.
- Phased Establishment of Cancer Day Care Centers:
- The state government prioritizes public welfare and aims to provide better health facilities.
- Cancer daycare centers will be set up in three phases:
- Phase 1: Already established in 13 hospitals.
- Phase 2: To be set up in 27 high-load civil hospitals and community health centers.
- Phase 3: Additional centers in 28 institutions.
- These centers will also include palliative care units.
- Cutting-Edge Technology at the Cancer Care Center of Excellence:
- The upcoming Cancer Care Center of Excellence in Hamirpur will utilize world-class technology.
- A special department of nuclear medicine will be established, equipped with a large-capacity nuclear lab and cyclotron.
- Population-Based Cancer Registry:
- Himachal Pradesh will initiate a population-based cancer registry to study cancer cases and numbers.
- A pilot project will begin in one district to screen people for cancer cases.
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Facility:
- The Atal Institute Of Medical Super-Specialities in Chamiyana, Shimla will soon offer bone marrow transplantation services.
Health Minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil also contributed valuable suggestions during the meeting.
This compassionate initiative aims to alleviate the burden on cancer patients and enhance healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh.
Advertisement
