THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Expressing concern at the difficulty encountered by cancer patients in accessing treatment owing to high costs, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vjayan said the government has come out with many programmes to ensure effective cancer care for each and every patient.Inaugurating the adoption of 100 cancer-stricken children by the Lions Club International, Pinarayi said the government accorded a great deal of importance for cancer treatment, especially for those who could not afford proper treatment.
He said the government as well as the private hospitals in the state were providing effective treatment for cancer. Apart from this, various programmes such as ‘Sukrutham’ helps cancer patients in their treatment.
Moreover, Pinarayi said the government has given importance to Cancer research. The genetic lab facility at the Malabar Cancer Centre is one such venture, he said.Emphasising the importance of voluntary groups in healthcare, the Chief Minister said voluntary organisations should join hands with the government in treating cancer. The initiative of Lions Club International is such a venture, he said.
Pinarayi said there was a great deal of concern about cancer incidence in the state and the Cancer Registry reflected the rise in the number of cancer patients in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram and also in two other cities. The alarming increase is a matter of serious concern, he said.
The Lions Club International adopted the cancer-afflicted children as part of its worldwide programme on paediatric cancer. Lions Club district governor K Suresh, Paediatric Cancer (Lions Club) district coordinator M A Wahab, KIMS group chairman Dr M I Sahadulla and others were present.