Question : Cancer Research

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

(a) whether India is lagging far behind in the area of research for cancer medicines despite the rapid increase in incidences of the said disease in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the latest status of development of new treatment for cancer in the country;

(c) whether the Government proposes to collaborate with other nations already working in the said field of research; and

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

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)
(a) to (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 (ICMR), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Atomic Energy. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has developed Bhabha Tron and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) has developed Linear Accelerator (LINAC).
The Department of Health Research under the schemes of Grant in Aid and Human Resource Development have funded Cancer Research these projects. So far 20 such projects have been funded across the country under the scheme.
The ICMR is promoting cancer research including epidemiological, clinical, basic and translational research. The ICMR has also developed protocols for the management (including treatment) buccal mucusa cancer, gall bladder cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer and tongue cancer. Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO) under the ICMR has developed a hand-held device called Magnivisualizer with inbuilt source of light that can be used in field conditions of early detection of cervical cancer and oral cancer lesions.