Punjab's Mission Umeed: Pioneering Cancer Care Revolution

The Punjab government has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch a groundbreaking cancer care initiative in Bathinda, Mohali, and Gurdaspur, as announced by Health Minister Balbir Singh. Targeting oral, breast, and cervical cancers, the project aims to enhance early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, addressing some of India's most common and preventable cancers.

Aligning with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, the initiative seeks to integrate cancer care across Punjab's public health system, from grassroots Ayushman Arogya Kendras to advanced hospitals. Currently, over 60% of cancer cases in Punjab are diagnosed at advanced stages, which limits the scope for effective intervention.

Highlighting unhealthy lifestyles as a major contributor to rising cancer rates, Minister Singh emphasized early detection as crucial. WHO representative Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin praised the initiative, known as Mission Umeed, for its promising cancer care model, underscoring WHO's commitment to offering full technical support for replicating its success across India.

(With inputs from agencies.)