Srinagar, September 22: Jammu and Kashmir has around 51,000 cancer patients, Health Minister Sakina Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, outlining measures being taken to improve early detection, treatment and financial support for patients.
Itoo was responding to a question by MLA Mir Saifullah, who sought details about the number of cancer patients in the region, available treatment facilities and government assistance for those unable to afford treatment.
Saifullah, while raising the issue, referred to 2024 data indicating around 71,000 cancer patients in Jammu and Kashmir, including more than 50,000 in Kashmir, and sought details of measures being taken to control the disease and expand specialised treatment facilities.
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In her response, however, Itoo said the current number of cancer patients in Jammu and Kashmir was around 51,000.
The minister said the government was focusing on early detection through screening, noting that many patients previously reported to health facilities only after the disease had reached an advanced stage.
She said screening services were being taken to people through the Health Department to facilitate early detection and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Itoo said cancer treatment was available at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), while steps were also being taken to strengthen equipment and treatment facilities at SKIMS and government medical colleges.
The government’s focus, she said, was to ensure that patients receive treatment according to the type and stage of cancer, along with access to the required medicines and equipment.
On financial assistance, Itoo said medicines were being provided free of cost to beneficiaries under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) categories.
She added that medicines for eligible cancer patients were also covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
On prevention, the minister said Jammu and Kashmir had initiated vaccination against cervical cancer.
Itoo said the government had taken several measures over the past two years to strengthen cancer-related services and would consider further steps based on patients’ requirements.
She said the government was particularly concerned about breast cancer and other forms of cancer being reported in Jammu and Kashmir.
