Rajagopal P Swamy
The Tamilnadu government is launching a comprehensive cancer care mission,focusing on early diagnosis and a “hub-and-spoke” model for referrals,and is seeking strong institutional support, particularly from private healthcare providers.
Health Secretary Supriya Sahu emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and private institutions,highlighting the potential for shared learnings and a unified approach to safe,affordable,and effective cancer care.
The government plans to map all health institutions,both public and private,under this model.
The new Tamil Nadu Cancer Care Mission,announced in the 2024 health budget,prioritizes strengthening early cancer diagnosis.
Sahu stated that the government is leading the effort in community outreach for early diagnosis, referral,and treatment.
Pilot programs for cervical and breast cancer screening are underway in several districts,with plans for statewide expansion.
The government is also investing in upgrading diagnostics in government hospitals and strengthening regional cancer centers.
Health Minister,Ma.Subramanian announced the expansion of the community-based cancer screening program across the state at a cost of Rs.27 crore.
He also mentioned the upcoming inauguration of the upgraded Government Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital in Kancheepuram.
The pilot screening program has already screened over 1.2 million people and detected 133 new cancer cases.
The launch of Apollo Hospitals’ third cancer center in Chennai was also highlighted during the event.Apollo Hospitals Chairman Prathap C.Reddy emphasized the new center’s role in enhancing access to cancer care.
Executive Vice Chairperson Preetha Reddy stressed the importance of responsible AI implementation in healthcare, suggesting it should assist clinicians, not replace them.
A free cancer screening program for 1,000 patients was also launched at the Apollo event.