Ranchi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Jharkhand's Health Minister, Irfan Ansari, launched an extensive cancer screening initiative across the state on the occasion of World Cancer Day, with the aim to combat the growing cancer burden in the region.
The programme will offer screenings for oral, breast, and cervical cancers at all health centers in Jharkhand, as part of a state-wide drive to identify the disease at its earliest stages. During the launch, Minister Ansari emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, "If cancer is detected early, it can be treated, and the patient's life can be saved. Our goal is to make Jharkhand cancer-free."
As part of the initiative, screening will be conducted not only at health centers but also at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Additionally, a state-wide vaccination drive will be launched to protect girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer, according to government officials.
Further plans are in place to establish a dedicated government cancer hospital in Jharkhand, aimed at reducing the need for residents to seek treatment outside the state and alleviating the financial burden of cancer care.
Minister Ansari also announced the government's commitment to strict enforcement of a ban on pan masala in Jharkhand to curb the rise of cancer cases associated with its consumption. "The sale and purchase of pan masala will remain prohibited in the state. Strict action will be taken against anyone violating this ban," he warned.
In addition to the cancer initiative, Ansari highlighted several major healthcare reforms. The Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, is expected to lay the foundation stone for the RIMS-2 hospital soon. The government also plans to roll out 300 new ambulances, including motorcycle ambulances for Sahiyya sisters in rural areas, ensuring timely access to medical care.
Ansari further revealed that the state is working on establishing five new super-specialty hospitals and plans to provide 42,000 Sahiyyas, community health workers, with tablet computers to enhance their ability to deliver healthcare services and raise awareness in local communities.
These initiatives mark a significant step forward in improving healthcare infrastructure and addressing cancer prevention and treatment in Jharkhand.
The programme will offer screenings for oral, breast, and cervical cancers at all health centers in Jharkhand, as part of a state-wide drive to identify the disease at its earliest stages. During the launch, Minister Ansari emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, "If cancer is detected early, it can be treated, and the patient's life can be saved. Our goal is to make Jharkhand cancer-free."
As part of the initiative, screening will be conducted not only at health centers but also at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Additionally, a state-wide vaccination drive will be launched to protect girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer, according to government officials.
Further plans are in place to establish a dedicated government cancer hospital in Jharkhand, aimed at reducing the need for residents to seek treatment outside the state and alleviating the financial burden of cancer care.
Minister Ansari also announced the government's commitment to strict enforcement of a ban on pan masala in Jharkhand to curb the rise of cancer cases associated with its consumption. "The sale and purchase of pan masala will remain prohibited in the state. Strict action will be taken against anyone violating this ban," he warned.
In addition to the cancer initiative, Ansari highlighted several major healthcare reforms. The Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, is expected to lay the foundation stone for the RIMS-2 hospital soon. The government also plans to roll out 300 new ambulances, including motorcycle ambulances for Sahiyya sisters in rural areas, ensuring timely access to medical care.
Ansari further revealed that the state is working on establishing five new super-specialty hospitals and plans to provide 42,000 Sahiyyas, community health workers, with tablet computers to enhance their ability to deliver healthcare services and raise awareness in local communities.
These initiatives mark a significant step forward in improving healthcare infrastructure and addressing cancer prevention and treatment in Jharkhand.
