Bhubaneswar: A total of 1,39,69,439 people have been screened for cancer in Odisha over the last three years and of these, 26,666 cancer patients have been diagnosed, as informed by Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling in the state assembly on Monday.
Responding to a question by Rourkela MLA Sarada Prasad Nayak, Minister Mahaling confirmed that the screening efforts have been extensive, with over 1.39 crore people undergoing tests to detect cancer.
Minister Mahaling also highlighted several proactive measures being taken by the state government to combat cancer, which include:
Screening at the grassroots level
At the sub-center Ayushman Arogya Mandir level, several screening methods are employed, including Oral Visual Examination (OVA) for oral cavity cancer, Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid Application (VIA) for cervical cancer, and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) for breast cancer.
Enhanced resources for screenings
Essential equipment and consumables for general cancer screening have been provided to ANMs, CHOs, and Medical Officers at Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres.
Training of healthcare professionals
Medical Officers at various health centers are receiving training for the early detection of oral cancer through PAP-SMEAR, cervical cancer tests, True-cut Biopsy for breast cancer, and FNAC.
Tertiary Health Care Centers
Ten Tertiary Health Care Centers are now offering early cancer detection through advanced diagnostic methods like CT Scans, MRIs, PET-CTs, Mammography, and more — all free of charge.
Comprehensive cancer treatment
The state government provides free cancer treatments, including Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Palliative care at all government cancer hospitals. Additionally, anti-cancer drugs are available at no cost under the Niramaya Yojana.
Public awareness
Advertisements regarding cancer awareness and available services have been aired through both print media and electronic media across Odisha.
Free Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy is available free of charge at leading hospitals such as AHPGIC Cuttack, VIMSAR Burla, and MKCG MCH Berhampur. Chemotherapy services are also being provided at District Head Hospitals, Capital Hospital Bhubaneswar, and several Day Care Centers in the state. Trained medical personnel are stationed at these centers to ensure quality care.
Free medicines and blood tests
All medicines and blood tests related to cancer treatment, including Essential thrombocythemia (E.T.) are provided free by the government.
