Himachal Pradesh Pledges Free Cancer Treatment and World-Class Care Expansion

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced free treatment and medicines for cancer patients in Himachal Pradesh. The state plans to invest Rs. 300 crore to strengthen cancer care facilities, including new day care centers and a bone marrow transplant unit. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive cancer care statewide.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday announced a groundbreaking initiative to offer free treatment and medicines to cancer patients throughout the state. The government will provide 42 essential medicines at no cost in government hospitals, according to an official press release.

Presiding over the first meeting of the State Advisory Board on Cancer and Palliative Care Program, Sukhu noted the alarming rise of cancer cases in the north-eastern states, with Himachal Pradesh ranking second nationally in cancer incidences. 'To address this concerning trend, we have decided to offer free treatment to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients,' stated the Chief Minister.

The initiative also includes the costly Trastuzumab vaccine, crucial for breast cancer treatment, which typically costs around Rs 40,000 per dose. The state government aims to deliver these medicines directly to patients' doorsteps and is committed to investing Rs 300 crore to enhance cancer treatment infrastructure statewide.

A sum of Rs 75 crore will be allocated to develop the Center of Excellence for Cancer Care in Hamirpur, Rs 75 crore for a bone marrow transplant facility in Chamiyana, Shimla, and Rs 150 crore for world-class cancer treatment equipment. Palliative care units will also be established across various cancer care centers, offering advanced technology and a special department of nuclear medicine in Hamirpur.

Additionally, bone marrow transplantation services will commence at the Atal Institute Of Medical Super-Specialities in Chamiyana, Shimla. The Chief Minister also announced plans for a population-based cancer registry and a pilot project for cancer screening in one district.

The meeting saw contributions from Health Minister Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Health Secretary M Sudha Devi, and other senior health officials, all of whom provided valuable insights into the program's implementation.

(With inputs from agencies.)