Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today addressed a World Cancer Day event at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, reaffirming the Government’s proactive role in ensuring the best possible facilities for cancer patients as well as healthcare professionals.
The programme was organised by GMC Jammu under the theme ‘J&K Fights Cancer’ to mark World Cancer Day. The event was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Ms. Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta, MLA Uri Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Secretary Health & Medical Education Department Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed, Principal GMC Jammu Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, renowned oncologist Dr. Sameer Kaul, senior professors, doctors, faculty members and students.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed hope for a future when the world would truly be able to celebrate World Cancer Day as the day cancer is eradicated. “Till then, we have to manage this disease as best as possible,” he said.
Sharing personal experiences, CM Omar Abdullah spoke with deep empathy about the emotional and psychological toll cancer takes on patients and their families. He recalled moments of waiting anxiously for scan results, witnessing loved ones undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, and the pain of losing family members to the disease.
“This disease terrifies people, it terrifies the patient, it terrifies their family, not only because of the prognosis and treatment, but also because of the financial implications,” he remarked. Highlighting the critical role of the Government in combating cancer, the Chief Minister outlined three major responsibilities.
He stressed the importance of supporting research and development, ensuring quality medical education and facilitating doctors and oncologists in advancing cancer care. He expressed hope that future generations may one day speak of cancer as a disease of the past.
The Chief Minister also underlined the need for robust screening infrastructure, noting that cancer often becomes fatal due to late detection. “Early screening is essential so that this terrible disease can be detected at the earliest stage,” he said.
Emphasising the Government’s commitment to building strong treatment facilities within Jammu and Kashmir, CM Omar Abdullah said efforts are being made to ensure that fewer patients need to travel outside the region for advanced cancer treatment.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the least number of patients possible need to travel outside J&K to avail the best possible healthcare facilities,” he stated. The Chief Minister further stressed the need for a strong financial safety net for economically weaker cancer patients, as the burden of treatment is far heavier on the poor.
Assuring that the Government would act on all suggestions emerging from such events and workshops, he said, “Please rest assured that my Government will not ignore a single one of them. We are committed to ensuring the best possible facilities in our hospitals and the best possible safety net for our patients.”
The Chief Minister concluded by expressing admiration for doctors and medical students for choosing the medical profession, acknowledging the sacrifices made by them and their families. “We will do our best to ensure that you have the right environment and the right facilities within which to practise your chosen profession,” he said.