20 cancer institutes, 50 tertiary care cancer centres are being set up: Nadda

01 March, New Delhi

Twenty State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and 50 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) are being set up in different parts of the country with the Union government giving up to Rs 120 crore for an SCI and Rs 45 crore for TCCC, the Rajya Sabha was informed Tuesday.

In a written reply, Health Minister J P Nadda said that this would help enhance tertiary care facilities for cancer in the country.

Elaborating on research being undertaken, the minister said in the government sector, research activities for detection and treatment of cancer were 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 Accelerator (LINAC).

ICMR is promoting cancer research including epidemiological, clinical, basic and translational research. It has developed protocols for the management (including treatment) of Buccal Mucosa Cancer, gall bladder cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and tongue cancer.

Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology under the ICMR 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, the minister said.