In a bid to ensure early breast cancer detection amongst women, Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur launched portable breast cancer indicating device.With the launch of this new innovation in the field of healthcare, Anurag Thakur becomes the first Member of Parliament in India to introduce this kind of technology which is a portable, easy-to-use device, which in the past has given good results in early detection of carcinogenic tumours.Marking the occasion of Mother Day, Anurag Thakur through this launch has ensured that all the mother, sisters and daughters of Himachal Pradesh get access to early detection of breast cancer, thereby ensuring that incase of positive result, their treatment can start well within time.The machines would be made available in the Mobile Medical Units (MMU) started by Anurag Thakur. The MMU’s named Asptal – Sansad Mobile Swasthya (SMS) Seva is operational in Hamirpur District since 1 May 2018 and within a span of first eight days, the mobile hospital has had 1610 registrations and has attended 1607 patients. This device will become an added feature of the mobile hospital that at present is conducting close to 40 tests, absolutely free of cost.Each of the Asptal has a female health worker who will be carrying out the test on patients.Talking on the development, Sh. Anurag Thakur said, “Breast cancer is amongst one of the most lethal cancers in India. In 2012, an estimated 70,000 women had died of breast cancer, while one estimates puts the occurrence of breast cancer in India by 2020 will be at around seventeen lakhs.
This is indeed an alarming situation and we must do something to curb this menace. Introducing this device as a part of Asptal is an effort aimed in this direction. We have dedicated women health workers as a part of our mobile hospital – Asptal who will perform this test on women, in a safe environment. I chose the occasion of Mother’s day to introduce this machine as I thought there could not be a better gift than this to all the mothers, sisters and daughters.”This device is also my humble dedication to Smt. Shail Bala Sharma, Assistant Town Planner, who was shot dead in Kausali. The courageous daughter of Bilaspur, stood strong on her ground and nothing could deter her determination and honesty. I salute her courage and strength for standing up for right and wish her family the valor to bear the grave loss. After having met her family this morning, I realized that it is her family where she gathered all the strength. And with the launch of this device, I wish to pass on the same strength and courage as that of Smt. Shail Bala Sharma to all the women of our society.”“I had met two young girls Varsha Thakur and Garima Thakur from Ghumarwin in my Parliamentary, who had put forth this request and introduced me to the idea of early detection and how it could be a revolution in the field of healthcare. It is then I took upon this task and learnt about this innovative machine that will help in providing indicators of any abnormalities. This is not just going to help in early detection but also save precious lives of women.” He further added, “Also, to ensure menstrual hygiene among girls aged between 10-19 years, free sanitary napkins will be provided to them, starting June 2018 onwards. This will not only contribute towards their health but also participation in the society and school and most importantly their dignity.”