Question : Use of Pesticides in Crops

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

(a) whether the Government has conducted any study on the pesticides used in the crops which is intensifying the spread of cancer in the country;

(b) if so, the details and outcome thereof;

(c) the number of cancer patients identified during the last five years, State/ UT-wise;

(d) whether the Government is contemplating an action plan to provide affordable treatment to cancer patients and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the number of cancer care hospitals set up during the last five years, State/UT wise?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) & (b): A multi-centric study, to assess exposure and health affects of Pesticides, has recently been initiated by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

(c): Estimated incidence of cancer cases in India, is annexed.

(d): 35 proposals for setting-up of State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country, have been approved under the National Programme for Prevention and control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke (NPCDCS).

The D/o Biotechnology (DBT) and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) have recently partnered a 5 years research initiative, titled, Affordable Approaches to Cancer, focused on finding affordable treatment to cancer patients.

(e): Information is being collected and will be placed before the House.