Cancer needs a mission-oriented approach, where everyone has access to accurate tests and affordable treatment with focus on early detection and prevention, according to the participants at the FICCI Cancer Roundtable for the North-Eastern region’, held in Shillong, under the aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
Addressing the conference with the theme, ‘Roadmap for Making Cancer Care Affordable and Accessible in India’, Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, said, “Cancer surveillance is our top priority. By leveraging technological advancements, we can save countless lives. This roundtable will help us in formulating a policy that is achievable. Let’s unite to forge partnerships amongst all stakeholders to battle against cancer.” She shared that the Chief Minister of Meghalaya has worked towards ensuring that fundamental interventions for cancer treatment are available to the citizens.
Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya emphasized on the need for a mission approach for tackling the cancer crisis. He highlighted that a lack of awareness and certain cultural practices contribute to the state’s cancer burden. He said, “Government of Meghalaya launched the Cancer Mission, a screening-based program focused on early detection and prevention and already screened individuals over 30 years of age in Khasi district.” He also emphasized on the role of AYUSH techniques in preventing relapses and managing stress.
Raj Gore, Chair, FICCI Task Force on Cancer Care and CEO, Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited (HCG), said, “The Northeast region of India faces unique healthcare challenges, particularly in cancer care. Despite being a relatively small region, it has some of the highest cancer incidence rates in the country. This is primarily due to high tobacco consumption, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and delayed diagnosis. To address this, there is a need for comprehensive prevention strategies, early detection initiatives, and improved access to treatment.”
Dr Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, said, “The government is formulating a cancer policy that will include (treatment) protocols, palliative care as well as psychological support for the patients.”
The roundtable in Shillong was organized in partnership with AstraZeneca, HCG Hospitals, Varian and Indian Medical Parliamentarians’ Forum (IMPF). FICCI has already organized four roundtables in Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Bhuvaneswar and Jaipur.
Other key stakeholders, such as Prof Nalin Mehta, Director, North-Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRHIMS), Shillong; T G Momin, MCS, Joint Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya; Dr Anisha Mawlong, Member Secretary, State Cancer Society of Meghalaya and HOD, Oncology Department, Civil Hospital, Shillong; Prof Dr Caleb Harris, Additional Professor and Head, Department of Surgical Oncology, NEIGRIHMS; Vineet Gupta, Co-Lead, FICCI Task Force on Cancer Care and Head, Government Affairs, Siemens Healthineers, addressed the roundtable.
The FICCI Cancer Roundtable was attended by around 40 stakeholders from Meghalaya and neighbouring states, including government officials, senior clinicians and representatives of hospitals, medtech and pharma companies.
According to the National Cancer Registry Program, Manipur recorded a 6.48 percent increase in cancer cases in 2022, significantly higher than the national average of 2.45 percent. This followed a 3.71 percent increase in 2021. Similarly, Sikkim saw a 6.67 percent rise in 2022, while Tripura reported a 3.51 percent increase. Mizoram experienced a 3.44 percent rise, Meghalaya had a 2.79 percent increase, and Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh recorded increases of 2.71 percent, 2.45 percent, and 2.16 percent, respectively.
FICCI, recognizing the critical nature of the cancer crisis in India, established a multi-stakeholder Task Force in 2022 to focus on developing strategic solutions to address the growing cancer burden. In partnership with EY, the FICCI Cancer Care Task Force published a report titled ‘Call for Action: Making Quality Cancer Care More Accessible and Affordable in India,’ which has been shared with relevant healthcare authorities to drive meaningful action.