Govt plans ‘world-class’ cancer facility

He admitted that most cancer patients from the state have to go outside for treatment,like to the Tata Cancer Institute. “It is far away and involves extra expenditure. Cancer cases are on the rise,even those who do not consume tobacco are getting cancer,” Akhilesh said.

The Chief Minister said the proposed cancer institute will offer diagnostic treatment and rehabilitation services. “All these three aspects are different and we need trained staff for each of them. The cancer institute will have every possible service for the patients,” he said.

Akhilesh stated that district-level hospitals and medical colleges would be linked to the proposed cancer institute. “We can offer diagnostic services at district-level centres and thereafter the treatment will be done at the cancer institute,” he said.

Earlier,raising the issue,Pradeep Mathur said,“Our people are poor and many of them cannot afford costly treatment at Mumbai. An advanced cancer institute will be of great help.”

In reply to another question,Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Azam Khan said the state government was contemplating to frame some laws to check private nursing homes.

“Private nursing homes are mushrooming everywhere. They don’t even have proper ventilation,emergency exit and other basic features. We will bring in legislation to check such erring nursing homes,” Azam said.

The issue came up by way of a supplementary to a question related to steps taken by the government to prevent female foeticide. Minister of State for Medical,Health and Family Welfare Shankhlal Manjhi replied that action was taken under PCPNDT Act and regular checking is conducted at diagnostic centres.

“Even though we are trying,the results are not satisfactory,” Manjhi admitted.