Jammu, February 05: Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, Principal Dr Ashutosh Gupta Tuesday proposed an effective screening policy for preventable cancers and introduction of cervical cancer vaccine in ‘Universal Immunization Programme’ in J&K.
These proposals formed part of “Cancer policy of Jammu and Kashmir”, propounded by Dr Ashutosh Gupta, himself a renowned oncologist and unveiled during an event “Mission Cancer” at GMC Jammu.
It was unveiled in the event which also saw presence of Dr Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister; Sakina Masood Itoo, Minister for Health and Medical Education (HME), Social Welfare, School and Higher Education; Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary HME; Dr Sameer Kaul an eminent cancer specialist of India; Dr Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS and Dr Pavan Malhotra, Director Principal ASCOMS, Jammu.
Laying down the pertinent points of the “Cancer policy of Jammu and Kashmir”, Dr Ashutosh stated that it proposed effective cancer screening policy for preventable cancers i.e., cancers related to head and neck; breast; lung; cervical; prostate cancer and colon.
Policy called for introduction of cervical cancer vaccine in ‘Universal Immunization Programme’ (UIP) and oncology facilities, including chemotherapy services and surgical oncology, in all new Medical Colleges as per NMC guidelines.
“Major tertiary care institutes like SKIMS, GMC Jammu, GMC Srinagar must have all high-end oncology facilities like radiation oncology; surgical oncology, medical oncology; diagnostic facilities like PET scan, high end molecular oncology labs, etc,” GMC Jammu Principal proposed in “Cancer policy”.
The policy also called for introduction of palliative care services up to all district hospitals besides banning or restricting all tobacco products.
