Question : Research for Treatment of TB and Cancer

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware about the research by doctors of AIIMS, New Delhi wherein it has been detected that a virus strain from China is spreading Tuberculosis (TB) in the country, if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(b) whether the virus is spreading in the country through North Eastern States, if so, the details thereof and concrete measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the country is still lagging behind in the field of research of medicine to eliminate cancer, if so, the latest position of the development for the research/ treatment of cancer;

(d) whether the Government has any plan to work together with the other countries already doing research in this regard, if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether the health research department under the Ministry has found that soft drinks contain dangerous chemical substances, if so, the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)
(a): Yes. The Government is aware about the study where Beijing strain of the bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been identified by doctors in AIIMS.

(b): There is no conclusive evidence that the Beijing strain is spreading through North Eastern states.




(c) & (d): In the Government sector, Research activities for detection and treatment of cancer are mostly carried out by Institutions/Departments such as the Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Science and Technology and Department of Atomic Energy. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has developed Bhabhatron and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) has developed Linear Accelerator (LINAC).

The Indian Council of Medical Research is promoting cancer research including epidemiological, clinical, basic and translational research. The ICMR has also developed protocols for the management (including treatment) of Buccal Mucosa Cancer, Gall Bladder Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, and Tongue Cancer. The institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology under the Indian Council of Medical Research has developed a hand held device called Magnivisualizer with inbuilt source of light that can be used in field conditions for early detection of cervical cancer and oral cancer lesions.

(e): Department of Health Research has no information with respect to dangerous chemical substances found in soft drinks.