The Meghalaya government today signed an a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Apollo Telehealth Foundation for the first cancer care in the State, officials said.
The MoU was signed in presence of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, officials of the Apollo Telehealth Foundation and those of the World Economic Forum.
“Healthcare is something that the state has been facing as a challenge and a disease like cancer, incidentally, is also very high in the state. The FIRST Cancer Care project in Meghalaya is a first of its kind initiative in the entire country,” the chief minister said.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Cancer Care initiative explores how technological advances can revolutionise cancer care. The centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution was launched in India by the World Economic Forum.
“With the involvement of partners like World Economic Forum and Apollo Healthcare, this will prove to be path-breaking not only in Meghalaya where cancer is high but also for the rest of the country,” he said.
The vision of the cancer care projects is to improve the quality of cancer care in all dimensions by harnessing emerging technologies, a government press release said.
“There would be screening of cancer at the health and wellness centres and a follow-up of susceptive and confirmed cases. From ASHA workers to senior health staff will be given skill training,” the statement said.
Screening diagnosis and treatment will be carried out at a special clinic set up with a pathology lab at the Civil Hospital Shillong in East Khasi Hills district.
