Meghalaya Hosts Roundtable on Affordable Cancer Care, Focuses on North East’s Tobacco-Linked Cancer Surge

The Roundtable on the “Roadmap for Making Cancer Care Affordable and Accessible in India” paid special attention to the high prevalence of tobacco-related cancers in the North Eastern region, particularly in Meghalaya.

 

The Health & Family Welfare Department, Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), organized the Roundtable at the State Convention Hall in Shillong. The event saw the participation of key stakeholders from government, healthcare, and industry.

 

Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, graced the occasion and emphasized the importance of ensuring affordable and accessible cancer care for all. Notable attendees included Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary; Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary; Prof. (Dr.) Nalin Mehta, Director of NEIGRIHMS; and Mr. Raj Gore, Co-Leader of the FICCI Task Force on Cancer Care.

 

The discussions focused on enhancing early detection and screening, strengthening cancer care infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and addressing the challenges of affordability and access in cancer treatment. Special attention was given to the high prevalence of tobacco-related cancers in the North Eastern region, particularly in Meghalaya.

 

Key recommendations from the Roundtable included expanding cancer treatment centres, increasing mobile screening units, implementing financial support schemes, and promoting tobacco control initiatives.

 

The FICCI Cancer Care Roundtable highlighted the urgent need to improve cancer care services in the North East and expressed optimism that through sustained efforts, affordable and accessible cancer care can be achieved.

 

Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Health & Family Welfare Department, reiterated the government’s commitment to improving cancer care accessibility in the region.

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