SRINAGAR: Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to formulate a comprehensive cancer control strategy for Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment and preventive oncology.
The proposed strategy aims to strengthen cancer care infrastructure across the Union Territory and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
High-Level Meeting With Leading Medical Institutions
The meeting was attended by senior officials and representatives from major healthcare and research institutions, including:
- Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS)
- Government Medical College Srinagar
- Government Medical College Jammu
- SKIMS Medical College
- National Health Mission
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Tata Memorial Centre
Senior faculty members and healthcare experts from medical colleges and institutions across the Union Territory also participated.
Chief Secretary Emphasises Awareness and Early Detection
Atal Dulloo stressed the importance of large-scale Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns to raise public awareness about cancer prevention and the benefits of early diagnosis.
He noted that early detection and timely treatment are critical to reducing the burden of cancer and improving survival rates.
Cancer Registry to Be Established
The Chief Secretary directed officials to establish a robust Cancer Registry for systematic collection and analysis of cancer-related data.
The registry will help policymakers understand disease trends, identify high-risk areas and plan targeted interventions.
Population-Based Screening to Follow ICMR Guidelines
Dulloo also called for population-based cancer screening in accordance with ICMR guidelines and instructed the Health and Medical Education Department to expedite preparation of comprehensive screening protocols in collaboration with the national research body.
The objective is to make early detection a practical reality across Jammu and Kashmir.
Expert Committees Asked to Submit Action Plan in One Month
Reviewing progress made so far, the Chief Secretary directed previously constituted expert committees to submit detailed action plans within one month.
The committees have been asked to:
- Analyse cancer prevalence across the Union Territory
- Assess existing treatment facilities
- Identify gaps in oncology services
- Recommend capacity building measures
- Estimate manpower requirements
Dedicated Core Team to Drive Implementation
The Health and Medical Education Department has been instructed to form a dedicated core team comprising professionals from various medical colleges to ensure coordinated and time-bound preparation and execution of the cancer control strategy.
Experts Highlight Challenges in Remote Areas
During the meeting, medical experts discussed the incidence and prevalence of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted difficulties faced by patients in far-flung districts in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment.
Participants suggested measures to strengthen cancer care infrastructure, improve accessibility and bring quality oncology services closer to patients across the Union Territory.
Towards a Stronger Oncology Framework in J&K
The proposed strategy marks a significant step toward building a comprehensive and sustainable cancer care system in Jammu and Kashmir.
By integrating awareness campaigns, screening, data systems and institutional coordination, the Union Territory aims to improve outcomes and ensure better access to preventive and curative oncology services.
