Need to plug disparities, ensure equitable care for cancer: Ampareen

Shillong: The State Cancer Society, Meghalaya and the oncology department of Civil Hospital Shillong on Wednesday observed the National Cancer Survivors Day under the theme ‘A Celebration of Life’ with emphasis on addressing the disparities in cancer care and ensuring equitable access to treatment for all.
Speaking on the occasion, health minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh said the battle against cancer is not an individual fight, but the govt is committed to ensuring that people are provided with the best possible treatment, and it is striving to bring in the latest medical equipment and facilities to every district of the state.
“We have a long journey ahead, we shall not stop and we shall not say that we have done it all. It is not individuals, or ministers or any other doctor or staff, but together we will fight this,” the health minister asserted, even as she acknowledged the remarkable commitment of the doctors, nurses and health professionals to providing treatment and their compassionate care and support to the patients.
Principal secretary, department of health & family welfare, Sampath Kumar stressed that regular screening and early detection can cure cancer. Kumar said the govt is making an effort to provide care through the cancer wing of the Civil Hospital for more than 7,000 patients every year.