JK has around 51k cancer patients, 2 state cancer institutes: Sakina Itoo

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has approximately 51,000 cancer patients, while the government has set up two state cancer institutes and expanded screening and treatment services across the Union Territory, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.

Itoo was responding to a question by MLA Mir Saifullah, who sought information on the number of cancer patients in J&K, existing treatment facilities and steps being taken to make cancer care more accessible and affordable.

Saifullah cited 2024 data indicating that the number of cancer patients in J&K was around 71,000, including more than 50,000 in Kashmir, and sought details of government measures to tackle the growing disease burden.

In her response, Itoo put the current number of cancer patients in the Union Territory at around 51,000. She emphasised the importance of early detection, noting that many cases in the past were identified only after the disease had progressed to advanced stages.

The minister said the Health Department was taking cancer screening services closer to communities, including through doorstep-level initiatives, to facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment.

The government has established two State Cancer Institutes — one at SKIMS Soura and the other at Government Medical College Jammu — with financial and technical assistance from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.

The institutes are designed to provide comprehensive cancer care, covering diagnosis, treatment and other specialised oncology services, and cater to major treatment needs across J&K.

According to the written response submitted by the Health and Medical Education Department, cancer cases have been increasing globally, with Jammu and Kashmir witnessing a similar trend. Gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers constitute a significant proportion of reported cases.

The government has also formed an Apex Committee to guide cancer prevention, screening and treatment initiatives, with the Director of SKIMS appointed as its Nodal Officer.

Itoo said efforts were underway to strengthen infrastructure, equipment, manpower and specialised treatment facilities at SKIMS and Government Medical Colleges. She added that treatment is determined based on the type and stage of cancer as well as individual patient requirements.

On financial support, the government said eligible patients can avail themselves of free or cashless cancer treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme at empanelled government and private healthcare facilities, subject to eligibility criteria, approved treatment packages and applicable guidelines.

BPL and AAY beneficiaries are provided cancer medicines free of cost, while eligible patients can also receive treatment and medicine-related benefits under Ayushman Bharat.

Poor and needy cancer patients requiring additional financial assistance may also receive support through the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP), subject to eligibility requirements, prescribed guidelines and availability of funds.

Itoo further informed the House that cervical cancer vaccination has been introduced in J&K, while the government is paying particular attention to breast cancer and other major forms of the disease.

She said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also chaired meetings focused on cancer care and treatment facilities. The government, she added, would consider suggestions from legislators aimed at further improving cancer services across the Union Territory.

The minister also stressed that tackling cancer required participation beyond government agencies, calling for greater public involvement in prevention, early detection and awareness programmes.

The government said the measures were aimed at improving timely access to appropriate cancer care while reducing the financial burden on eligible patients and their families.