Question : Assistance to Cancer Patients

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

(a) whether the number of cancer patients has increased in the country during each of the last three years and the current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of patients who died therefrom during the said period State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any study on the role of adulterated food, air and water pollution in increase of such patients;

(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the schemes/programmes being implemented by the Government to extend assistance to cancer patients belonging to weaker sections of the society in the country?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) and (b): As per Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Cancer Registry Program, the estimated number of incidence of cancer cases and deaths due to cancer reported from 2016 to 2018, State/UT wise are at Annexure I & II respectively.
(c) & (d): As per studies undertaken from time to time, risk factors for non communicable diseases, including cancer, inter alia include unhealthy diet, lack of physical activities, ageing population, use of tobacco/alcohol products and air pollution.





(e): The Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments to prevent and control cancer and to provide affordable and accessible care. Some of the steps taken by Central Government are as follows:
(i) The objectives of National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) being implemented under National Health Mission (NHM) for interventions upto the district level include awareness generation for Cancer prevention, screening, early detection and referral to an appropriate level institution for treatment. For Cancer, the focus is on three Cancers namely breast, cervical and oral.
(ii) A population level initiative for prevention, control and screening for common Non-Communicable Diseases (diabetes, hypertension and cancer viz. oral, breast and cervical cancer) has been rolled out in over 215 districts of the country under NHM, as a part of comprehensive primary healthcare. Screening for common NCDs is also an integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres.
(iii) The Government of India is also implementing “Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer facilities” Scheme under NPCDCS to assist to establish/set up State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country. Oncology is one of the focus areas in case of new AIIMS and many upgraded institutions under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY). Setting up of National Cancer Institute at Jhajjar (Haryana) and 2nd campus of Chittranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata has also been approved. All these will enhance the capacity for prevention and treatment of cancer in the country.
(iv) The Government is providing financial assistance to patients living below poverty line for life threatening diseases under the schemes such as Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN), Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) and Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG).
(v) Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal outlets have been opened at 159 Institutions/Hospitals with an objective to make available Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases drugs and implants at discounted prices to the patients.
(vi) Treatment of cancer is also available under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PMJAY).