Cancer is a growing health problem in Meghalaya and the state has the highest incidence of cancer in the country.
The ‘Close the Care Gap’, a two-day Meghalaya Cancer Conclave 2024 is being held in Shillong, with Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh emphasising the need for unity among stakeholders to effectively address the challenge of the disease.
The minister also stressed the importance of action over discussions, advocating for the extension of the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) to provide financial assistance to affected families.
“Ensuring adequate funding is essential to provide financial assistance for cancer patients. We must streamline procedures and eliminate unnecessary formalities for all cancer patients. Prevention is paramount and early detection is key to combating this dreadful disease. Every citizen of the state should be relieved of the burden of cancer care and patients must feel secure during their treatment,” she said.
Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, lauded the MHIS’s contribution to universal health coverage.
“Almost close to 2 lakh households have taken MHIS. And the government spent close to Rs 200 crore. So, that means each family would have taken almost Rs 10,000 as benefit from the insurance programme, etc,” he said, adding that maternal deaths have come down by 50 percent in the last three years.
A cancer survivor, Yasmine Lyngdoh, who was diagnosed during her childhood, reflected on the need of taking the campaign to the rural areas. She said, “I hope everybody will get proper treatment, because we all deserve it.”
Another cancer survivor, Warimeki Lyngwa, shared her story and reflected on the importance of awareness on removing taboo on cancer.
She said, “I think having this conclave will help people discuss the issues that a lot of cancer patients are facing at grassroots level. I hope that this conclave will be very constructive.”
The event has convened key stakeholders, including oncologists, cancer researchers, scholars, NGOs, industry leaders, top bureaucrats and media representatives. Through diverse perspectives and expertise, participants engaged in meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing cancer care strategies in Meghalaya.
A highlight of the event is the spotlight on the Meghalaya Cancer Care initiative, also known as ‘Meg Can Care,’ launched on May 31, 2023.
This initiative aims to tackle five specific cancers – breast, cervical, esophageal, lung and oral. To date, 46,713 beneficiaries have been screened, with 20,891 identified as at-risk beneficiaries. Additionally, the State Cancer Society has screened 1,392 beneficiaries, identifying 89 confirmed cases and 71 suspected cases within the state.
