Responding to a question raised by MLA Mir Saifullah in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo outlined measures being taken to improve access to affordable and comprehensive cancer care.

Itoo informed the House that two State Cancer Institutes are currently functional in Jammu and Srinagar — one at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura and the other at Government Medical College, Jammu.

Established with financial and technical support from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), the institutes are being further strengthened through improved infrastructure, modern equipment, specialised oncology services and additional manpower, she said.

Emphasising the importance of timely intervention, the minister said the government is prioritising early cancer detection, particularly as many cases continue to be diagnosed at advanced stages.

Screening programmes are being expanded through community-based and doorstep initiatives to facilitate the early identification of suspected cases and their referral for further diagnosis and treatment.

The Health and Medical Education Department said that, in line with global trends, cancer incidence is rising in J&K, with gastrointestinal, lung and breast cancers accounting for a significant proportion of cases.

The two cancer institutes are expected to provide comprehensive cancer-care services, including diagnosis, treatment and related oncology facilities. The government said treatment strategies are determined by the type and stage of cancer and the specific needs of individual patients.

Efforts are also underway to strengthen coordination among healthcare institutions to ensure smoother referral pathways and more effective treatment delivery.

To support a coordinated response to the growing cancer burden, the government has constituted an Apex Committee for cancer control, with the Director of SKIMS designated as the Nodal Officer. The mechanism is aimed at improving coordination among institutions and strengthening initiatives related to prevention, screening, early diagnosis, referral and treatment.

Addressing concerns over the financial burden of cancer treatment, Itoo said eligible patients can access cashless treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme at empanelled government and private hospitals, subject to prescribed guidelines.

Cancer medicines are being provided free of cost to BPL and AAY beneficiaries, while additional treatment and medicine-related benefits are available to eligible individuals under the scheme.

The government also informed the Assembly that poor and financially disadvantaged cancer patients requiring additional assistance can receive support through the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFP), subject to eligibility norms and availability of funds.

In another significant step, J&K has launched cervical cancer vaccination as part of its broader cancer prevention strategy. The government is placing particular focus on breast and cervical cancers while simultaneously expanding public awareness campaigns and screening facilities.

Itoo also informed the House that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has held meetings to review cancer-care facilities and treatment infrastructure in the Union Territory. She said suggestions made by legislators to further strengthen cancer services would be examined by the government.

Calling for a collective response to the growing challenge, the minister stressed that effective cancer control requires the active involvement of the government, healthcare institutions and the public. She urged people to participate in awareness programmes, adopt healthy lifestyles and undergo timely screening.

According to the government, the measures being implemented are aimed at expanding cancer screening, improving early diagnosis, strengthening specialised treatment and reducing the financial burden on patients and their families.

PDP member Waheed Ur Rehman Parra sought the establishment of a speciality cancer hospital in J&K in view of the rising number of patients. He also urged the government to examine whether the use of counterfeit pesticides in orchards and farmlands could be contributing to cancer among farmers.