Jhajjar: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, virtually addressed the 5th Foundation Day celebration of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at AIIMS Jhajjar today. The event, attended by British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Ms. Christina Scott, witnessed significant announcements and discussions on advancements in cancer research and treatment.
Commending the progress of NCI over the past 5 years, Dr. Mandaviya acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals involved in the institute’s daily operations. He urged the institute to continue delivering quality healthcare to patients, emphasizing the importance of their ongoing efforts.
During the ceremony, Dr. Mandaviya presided over the signing of a Collaboration Agreement between the University of Liverpool and AIIMS New Delhi for the “AIIMS Liverpool Collaborative Centre for Translational Research in Head and Neck Cancer – ALHNS.” The collaboration aims to enhance research and education programs in the field of head and neck cancer.
ALHNS, building upon pre-existing links between Liverpool Head and Neck Centre and AIIMS New Delhi, seeks to impact patient care through joint initiatives. The collaboration aims to develop common Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), access high-quality clinical datasets, and focus on diverse populations, addressing distinct cancer-causing aetiologies.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream is that the country should become Ayushman, where health facilities become affordable, accessible, and available to every citizen.” He praised the success of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and Ayushman Arogya Mandir schemes, noting the provision of family health insurance to 60 crore people, saving them over Rs 1,12,500 crore.
Discussing India’s efforts to eliminate TB by 2025, Dr. Mandaviya mentioned the Prime Minister’s TB Free India Campaign, providing free medicines, testing, and nutrition to 25 lakh TB patients annually. Financial assistance of Rs 500 per month is also given, benefitting 10 lakh TB patients, preventing them from falling below the poverty line.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the Sickle Cell Elimination Program, focusing on screening about 7 crore people in three years and providing free medicines, with an estimated government expenditure of Rs 910 crore.
The National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, dedicated to the nation on February 12, 2019, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, continues to play a pivotal role in cancer care. With an average daily OPD footfall of over 500, the institute provides state-of-the-art facilities, including modular operation theatres and oncology services. The celebration also marked the launch of new oncology and yoga facilities, emphasizing a holistic approach to cancer care.
In attendance were Prof. Dr. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi; Prof. Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool; Prof. Alok Thakar, Head, NCI-AIIMS, along with senior officials of the Union Health Ministry and faculty members of AIIMS New Delhi.