Each state will have one RCC soon: Minister

New Delhi, Mar 14 (UNI) Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today announced that the government would set up at least one Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) in each state, especially in the North Eastern region.

Replying to questions in the Lok Sabha on the high incidence of cancer cases in the North East, he said the government was concentrating on upgrading the existing RCCs into Centres of Excellence and setting up new RCCs.

Admitting that the incidence of certain types of cancer like Oesophagus, Lung, Mouth, Noasopharynx and stomach was relatively higher in the North East as compared to other parts of the country, Dr Ramadoss said his ministry had recognised Dr B B Cancer Institute, Guwahati, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, and Civil Hospital, Mozoram, to provide efficient and cost effective treatment to cancer patients in the region.

The Minister said 10 per cent of the total budget of the National Cancer Control Programme had been earmarked for the North Eastern region. A total grant worth Rs 26.23 crore had been released to this region under various schemes of NCCp during the past three years.

In addition, a grant of Rs 8.80 crore had been given for the three RCCs in the region. A sum of Rs 16.99 crore had been relesed under the Oncology wing development scheme and Rs 44 crore under the District Cancer Control Programme, he added.

UNI