22/09/2026
*51,000 CANCER CASES IN J&K; GOVT EXPANDS SCREENING, SPECIALISED CARE AND FREE TREATMENT SUPPORT*
SKIMS SOURA, GMC JAMMU RUN STATE CANCER INSTITUTES; DOORSTEP SCREENING, CANCER MEDICINES FOR BPL/AAY PATIENTS AND CERVICAL VACCINATION BEING TAKEN UP
Srinagar, September 22: Jammu and Kashmir has around 51,000 cancer patients, with the government stepping up efforts to strengthen early detection, screening, diagnosis and specialised treatment across the Union Territory, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly.
The Minister was responding to a question raised by MLA Mir Saifullah regarding the cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir, availability of dedicated treatment infrastructure and measures being taken by the government to improve access to affordable cancer care.
TWO STATE CANCER INSTITUTES FUNCTIONING IN J&K
According to the government’s response, two State Cancer Institutes have been established in Jammu and Kashmir—one at SKIMS Soura and another at Government Medical College Jammu.
The institutes have been established with financial and technical assistance from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
The government said efforts are underway to strengthen infrastructure, equipment, manpower and specialised oncology services at these institutions.
GOVT SHIFTS FOCUS TOWARDS EARLY CANCER DETECTION
Minister Sakina Itoo said the government is placing significant emphasis on early detection and timely treatment, particularly as many cancer cases are identified only after reaching advanced stages.
She said screening services are being taken closer to the population through community-level and doorstep screening, with suspected cases being referred for further diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
The Health and Medical Education Department said cancer incidence has been showing an increasing trend globally and Jammu and Kashmir has also witnessed a similar pattern.
According to the department, gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers constitute a significant share of reported malignancies in the region.
ONCOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE BEING STRENGTHENED
The two State Cancer Institutes are intended to provide comprehensive cancer-care services, including diagnosis, treatment and allied oncology facilities.
The government said treatment is determined according to the type and stage of cancer and the individual requirements of patients.
Authorities are also working towards strengthening specialised facilities and improving coordination between healthcare institutions for diagnosis, referral and treatment.
APEX COMMITTEE SET UP FOR COORDINATED CANCER RESPONSE
To improve coordination in cancer prevention and treatment, the government has constituted an Apex Committee to guide and formulate measures related to cancer control.
The Director, SKIMS, has been designated as the Nodal Officer for the coordinated response.
The mechanism is aimed at improving coordination among institutions and strengthening efforts related to prevention, screening, early diagnosis, referral and treatment.
FREE MEDICINES FOR BPL, AAY BENEFICIARIES
On the financial burden associated with cancer treatment, the government said eligible patients can avail themselves of cashless/free treatment under Ayushman Bharat at empanelled government and private healthcare institutions, subject to applicable eligibility criteria, treatment packages and guidelines.
Minister Itoo said BPL and AAY beneficiaries are provided cancer medicines free of cost.
Eligible beneficiaries can also avail themselves of treatment and medicine-related benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, in accordance with prescribed provisions.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR POOR CANCER PATIENTS
The government further informed the House that poor and needy cancer patients requiring additional financial assistance can receive support through the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP).
Assistance under the fund is provided according to eligibility criteria, applicable guidelines and availability of funds.
CERVICAL CANCER VACCINATION LAUNCHED
The Health Minister also informed the Assembly that cervical cancer vaccination has been started in Jammu and Kashmir.
She said the government is focusing particularly on breast cancer, cervical cancer and other major cancers, alongside efforts to increase public awareness and expand screening facilities.
CM OMAR ABDULLAH HOLDS MEETINGS ON CANCER CARE
Minister Itoo said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also held meetings concerning cancer and treatment facilities in Jammu and Kashmir.
She added that suggestions put forward by legislators regarding further strengthening of cancer-care infrastructure and services would be examined by the government.
MINISTER URGES PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN PREVENTION EFFORTS
Itoo stressed that tackling the growing cancer burden requires collective efforts by the government, healthcare institutions and the public.
She called for greater public participation in cancer awareness, prevention, healthy lifestyle practices and timely screening.
The government said the measures being implemented are aimed at expanding cancer screening, improving early diagnosis, strengthening specialised treatment and reducing the financial burden on eligible patients and their families.
The response was given in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during the ongoing session.