Shillong: Meghalaya Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has expressed concern over the increasing number of cancer cases in the state, revealing that recent data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has shown alarming rates.
According to the ICMR, the state has a cancer incidence rate of 176 cases per one lakh population. East Khasi Hills, in particular, has recorded 227 cases per one lakh population.
Lyngdoh emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the rising cancer burden, alongside tackling other non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart conditions, kidney disorders, and liver diseases.
“The state government is determined to combat cancer while addressing other health concerns,” she said.
In a detailed update, the Minister shared that the Shillong Civil Hospital alone has seen 8,382 outdoor cancer patients in 2024.
Of these, 1,649 were new cases, and 456 required radiotherapy.
To better serve the growing number of cancer patients, the government has significantly upgraded the hospital’s cancer wing, expanding its capacity from 50 to 90 beds, with plans to further increase it to 200 beds.
Addressing concerns about specialised manpower and technical challenges, Lyngdoh assured that the government is taking steps to resolve these issues.
“We are sending doctors for training to equip them with the necessary skills, ensuring they can return to the state to fill the gaps in our healthcare system,” she explained.
The minister also highlighted the government’s ongoing collaboration with the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) for cancer treatment.
“We are working closely with NEIGRIHMS, sharing information and sending low-income patients to their facilities. NEIGRIHMS has state-of-the-art operating theatres and the ability to perform specialised cancer surgeries,” Lyngdoh added.
Encouraging residents to seek treatment locally, she reassured the public that they don’t need to travel far for cancer care.
“You can receive treatment in your own state. We are in constant contact with institutions like the Guwahati Medical College, Barwa Cancer Institute, and the North East Cancer Institute, which are accessible to those from low-income groups. We want people to consult their physicians and trust the resources available in our state,” she said.
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To further raise awareness, the state government is increasing its focus on advertising campaigns about cancer prevention and treatment.
Lyngdoh said, “We are collaborating with church forums, community organisations, and health groups to spread awareness. Today, when someone is diagnosed with cancer, there is less fear because people know that both the state and national systems are equipped to handle the treatment. Patients from other Asian countries even come to India for cancer care, and we are witnessing significant progress.”
With these ongoing efforts, the government aims to alleviate the burden of cancer in Meghalaya and ensure better access to treatment and care for all.
