The Supreme Court has asked 19 States and Union Territories (UTs) that have not yet notified cancer to consider declaring it a notifiable disease. The move aims to improve cancer reporting, support early detection and ensure timely and proper care for patients.
The direction came after the Court was informed that 17 of India’s 36 States and UTs have already notified cancer based on recommendations from a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Court Calls for a Uniform Policy
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana stressed the need for a uniform approach to cancer reporting across the country.
The Court also questioned the Centre on why it could not issue mandatory guidelines for all States and UTs. However, the Centre submitted that health remains a State subject.
As per ETHealthworld, the Court directed the remaining States and UTs to consider the recommendations and take appropriate decisions. It also asked them to file compliance affidavits.
Focus on Better Cancer Surveillance
The case follows a public interest litigation filed by Dr Anurag Srivastava, who sought mandatory and uniform reporting of cancer cases across India. The plea highlighted gaps in cancer surveillance caused by the absence of a nationwide notification system.
Declaring cancer a notifiable disease could help authorities collect more comprehensive data on new cases and improve planning for screening, treatment and cancer-care services. Consequently, the move could strengthen India’s efforts to detect cancer earlier and improve patient outcomes.
States Asked to Act
The Supreme Court has now asked the remaining 19 States and UTs to consider the Parliamentary Standing Committee’s recommendations and take appropriate action. The development could mark an important step towards standardised cancer surveillance and reporting across India.