In the government sector, research activities for early detection and treatment of cancer are mostly carried out by Institutions/Departments such as the Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Science and Technology and Department of Atomic Energy. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has developed Bhabhatron and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) has developed Linear Accelerators (LINAC). Further, as informed by the Department of Electronics & Information Technology, under a project for 6 MV  Medical  Linac, a unit has been commissioned at Indian Institute of Head & Neck Oncology, Rau, Indore (M.P.) and is being used for patient treatment since June 2014. Medical Image Analyser for Cervical Cancer (CerviSCAN) has been developed by them for early detection of cervical cancer through image analysis of PAP smear.

As informed by the Department of Science & Technology, “National facility on community based cancer tissue bio bank for drug target” is sanctioned to study the genetics and genomics to understand cancer progression and pathology in Indian population.

Prevalent methods for diagnosing cancer include Fine Needle Aspiration cytology (FNAC), X- rays, Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, biochemical tests, tumour markers besides histo-pathological confirmation by biopsy.

Advanced Radiotherapy Technology including Robotic Radio surgery equipment e.g. Cyberknife are eligible for financial assistance in State Cancer Institutes and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres under “Strengthening of Tertiary Care of Cancer” scheme.

Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology under the Indian Council of Medical Research has developed a hand held device called Magnivisualizer with inbuilt source of light that can be used in field conditions for early detection of cervical cancer and oral cancer lesions.

Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Government for improving healthcare including prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Cancer.  At present, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) being implemented under National Health Mission(NHM) for interventions upto the district level includes awareness generation for Cancer prevention, screening, early detection and referral to an appropriate level institution for treatment.  The focus is on three areas namely breast, cervical and oral Cancer.  Screening guidelines have been provided to State Governments for implementation.  Suspected cases are to be referred for confirmatory diagnosis by various tests including histo-pathological biopsy.

Government of India has approved “Tertiary Care for Cancer” Scheme under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in the year 2013-14. Under the said scheme, Government of India will assist to establish/set up 20 State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and 50 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country. The maximum assistance inclusive of State share for SCI is upto Rs.120 crore and for TCCC is upto Rs.45 crore subject to eligibility as per scheme guidelines and availability of funds.

In addition to Cancer diagnosis and treatment by the State Governments Health Institutes, the Central Government Institutions such as All India Institute of Medical   Sciences, Safdurjung Hospital, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER Puducherry, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, etc. provide facilities for diagnosis and treatment of Cancer.

Oncology in its various aspects has focus in case of new AIIMS and many upgraded institutions under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY). Setting up of 2nd campus of Chittranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata has also been approved.

Details of funds released under NPCDCS and Tertiary Care for Cancer scheme during the last three years and current year are given below:

State-wise funds released under TCCC component of National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS):     

                        (1)        Funds released during the financial year 2012-13:

            (2)        Funds released during the financial year 2013-14:  NIL.

            (3)        Funds released during the financial year 2014-15:

            (4)        Funds released during the financial year 2015-16 (till July, 2015):   NIL

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Jhajjar has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 2035 crores. The implementation of the project is at an initial stage.

The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

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MV/LK