Gorakhpur, March 21 Gorakhpur Mayor Manglesh Kumar Srivastava said that children from the district and surrounding areas, diagnosed with cancer, can now receive treatment at the BRD Medical College as part of the Uttar Pradesh government's efforts to improve access to early treatment, an official said on Saturday.
"Reiterating the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government's commitment to improving healthcare facilities, particularly for childhood cancer, Srivastava emphasized the importance of raising awareness to recognize early signs of childhood cancer and seek medical attention promptly," the official said in a statement.
Srivastava, a BJP leader and senior Vice-President of the All India Council of Mayors, earlier joined enthusiastic cyclists to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
"Highlighting Chief Minister Adityanath's resolve to ensure that children receive the best treatment within the state, the Mayor launched the Gorakhpur leg of the 'Cycle for Gold' national initiative, which brought people together for rides," the statement said.
"Launched on World Cancer Day on February 4, the campaign, organized by CanKids, is one of the largest charity cycling challenges," the BJP leader added.
"The Mayor, himself a medical professional, joined cyclists, doctors, students, corporations, and communities in Gorakhpur, where cyclists rode from BRD Medical College to Gorakhnath Math," the statement added.
Poonam Bagai, a member of the ICMR Central Ethics Committee on Human Research and the WHO South East Asia Region Representative for Childhood Cancer International, highlighted the need for collective effort, saying, "This movement demonstrates the power of communities coming together for children battling cancer."
Bagai, Founder Chairman of CanKids and Vice Chairman of Pallium India, said their efforts are focused on improving childhood cancer care by creating statewide referral networks for diagnosis and treatment, training ASHA workers and health professionals for early detection, and providing financial and social support to families.
Echoing Gorakhpur Mayor's views, she said that 'Cycle for Gold' shows what is possible when people across India unite for a common purpose.
"Over 40 days, cyclists from cities, towns, and coastal regions rode together, from the promenades of Mumbai's Marine Drive to routes stretching from Goa to Karwar, and groups in places like Sangli and beyond," she added.
As in the different legs in 25-plus states, the Gorakhpur leg of the rally saw enthusiastic participation of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff from paediatric oncology departments.
"The Gorakhpur rally was launched by Mayor Srivastava and BRD Medical College Principal R.K. Jaiswal from the principal's office and proceeded to the District Magistrate's office," a statement said.