The Government of Meghalaya convened the Meghalaya Cancer Conclave 2024, a two-day event spearheaded by Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, which commenced on February 12. Themed ‘Close the Care Gap’, the conclave brings together key stakeholders to discuss critical cancer care issues in the state.
The conclave saw a participation of oncologists, cancer researchers, scholars, NGOs, industry leaders, bureaucrats, and media representatives. The participants engaged in discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing cancer care strategies in Meghalaya.
Among the dignitaries present at the conclave include Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya; Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya and Chairman of the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya; and Ram Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Dept of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya.
A highlight of the event was the spotlight on the Meghalaya Cancer Care initiative, ‘Meg Can Care,’ launched on May 31, 2023. This initiative aims to tackle five lethal cancers of Breast, Cervical, Esophageal, Lung, and Oral. To date, 46,713 beneficiaries have been screened, with 20,891 identified as at-risk beneficiaries, under this program. Additionally, the State Cancer Society has screened 1,392 beneficiaries, identifying 89 confirmed cases and 71 suspected cases within the state.
At the event, Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh stressed the need for unity among stakeholders to effectively address the cancer challenge. She highlighted the importance of action over mere discussions, advocating for the extension of the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) to provide financial assistance to affected families.
Sampath Kumar IAS lauded the contribution of the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme to universal health coverage. He highlighted the scheme’s impact, stating that it has benefited almost two-lakh households, with maternal deaths declining by 50 percent in the last three years.
Cancer survivors, including Yasmine Lyngdoh and Warimeki Lyngwa, shared their stories and expressed how important the awareness and support for cancer patients are. Their testimonials underscored the significance of initiatives like the Meghalaya Cancer Conclave in addressing the challenges faced by cancer patients at the grassroots level.
