More than 14,500 women in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district have been identified with potential cancer symptoms during a large-scale health screening drive under the Sanjivani scheme, State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar informed the assembly on Thursday.
Massive Survey Conducted for Early Detection
Since March 8, health authorities surveyed a total of 2,92,996 individuals in Hingoli. Participants responded to a detailed questionnaire focused on identifying possible signs of cancer. From this group, 14,542 women exhibited “cancer-like symptoms,” Abitkar said in a written reply to the House.
Confirmed Cancer Cases Detected So Far
As reported by The Print, following the initial screenings and subsequent medical tests, doctors diagnosed three women with uterine cancer, one with breast cancer, and eight with oral cancer. The minister noted that the campaign was a district-level initiative led by the Hingoli collector, aiming to promote early detection and timely treatment.
No Separate Women’s Cancer Hospital Proposed Yet
Addressing the issue of dedicated facilities, Abitkar clarified that there is currently no proposal to set up a separate cancer hospital for women. However, he emphasized that regular health camps and screening programs are organized in rural areas to aid early cancer diagnosis.
Strengthening Rural Cancer Care Infrastructure
To improve access to cancer care, diagnostic services are already available at district hospitals and medical college hospitals. Additionally, ‘cancer warriors’—health professionals trained by Tata Memorial Hospital—visit 11 district hospitals twice a month, accompanied by cancer experts.
Day-Care Chemotherapy Centres Expanding
As part of ongoing efforts to decentralize cancer treatment, eight district hospitals have already started offering day-care chemotherapy services. Abitkar also confirmed that the state is in the process of establishing such centres in all districts across Maharashtra.