JAMMU, FEBRUARY 4: A significant step toward the comprehensive management of cancer was taken today with the unveiling of the Cancer Policy for Jammu and Kashmir at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu.
The unveiling occurred during a one-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) event organized by the Department of Radiation Oncology, GMC Jammu, in collaboration with ‘BCPBF The Cancer Foundation’ and the newly formed society ‘Friends of GMC Jammu.’
The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Farooq Abdullah (former Chief Minister of J&K), Sakina Masood Itoo (Minister for Health and Medical Education), Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (Secretary, Health and Medical Education), Dr. Sameer Kaul (leading cancer specialist in India), Dr. Ashraf Ganie (Director SKIMS), and Dr. Pavan Malhotra (Director Principal, ASCOMS).
The Cancer Policy, developed by Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu and an esteemed oncologist, was officially launched at the CME. The event attracted more than 500 delegates, including top oncologists from across the country. Speakers included Dr. Rakesh Jalali (Apollo Hospital Chennai), Dr. Dipenjan Panda (Apollo Hospital Delhi), Dr. Anusheel Munshi (Delhi), Dr. Vijay Patil (Mumbai), and Dr. Vimal Pandita (Dehradun).
The newly introduced policy focuses on improving cancer screening for head and neck, breast, lung, cervical, prostate, and colon cancers. It proposes the introduction of the cervical cancer vaccine as part of the Universal Immunization Program and mandates the establishment of oncology facilities, including chemotherapy services and surgical oncology, in all new medical colleges in line with NMC guidelines.
The policy also emphasizes the need to upgrade tertiary care institutes, including SKIMS, GMC Jammu, and GMC Srinagar, with advanced facilities like radiation oncology, PET scans, and molecular oncology labs. Additionally, it calls for the expansion of palliative care services to district hospitals and suggests the restriction or banning of tobacco products to reduce cancer incidence.