The Health and Family Welfare Department in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry (FICCI) organised a roundtable on ‘Roadmap for Making Cancer Care Affordable and Accessible in India’ here today.
The event was attended by key stakeholders from government, healthcare, and industry, with Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh in attendance.
She emphasised the importance of ensuring affordable and accessible cancer care for all. Other attendees included Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary Joram Beda; NEIGRIHMS Director Dr Nalin Mehta and FICCI taskforce co-leader on cancer care Raj Gore.
Discussions focused on areas such as enhancing early detection and screening, strengthening cancer care infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships and addressing the affordability and access challenges in cancer treatment. Special attention was given to the high prevalence of tobacco-related cancers in the North East, particularly Meghalaya.
Key recommendations included expanding cancer treatment centres, increasing mobile screening units, implementing financial support schemes and promoting tobacco control initiatives.
