People Living Near River Drains at High Risk of Cancer: ICMR Study
A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has raised alarming concerns about the health risks faced by people living near river drains. The study, published in the Indian Academy of Sciences, reveals that high levels of toxic metals like lead, iron, and aluminum in water samples have exceeded permissible limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This contamination has led to a significant increase in cancer risk for residents in these areas.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav shared these findings in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on March 11. The study highlighted that the hazard quotients in these regions have surpassed safe limits, posing serious health threats to the population.
Government Steps Up Cancer Care and Prevention Efforts
In response to the growing cancer crisis, the central government has been actively strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Under the Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme, 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) have been approved to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services. Additionally, the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Haryana, and the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata have been established to enhance cancer care.
All 22 new AIIMS hospitals will also feature dedicated cancer treatment centres, offering medical, surgical, and radiation oncology services. These treatments are either free or heavily subsidized for underprivileged patients, ensuring accessibility for all.
Ayushman Bharat and Affordable Medicines
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has been a game-changer in providing financial aid for cancer treatment. The scheme covers up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care, benefiting 55 crore people from economically weaker sections. Recently, the scheme was expanded to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income.
To make cancer treatment more affordable, the government has set up over 15,000 Janaushadhi Kendras, offering generic medicines at significantly lower prices. Around 87 cancer-related medicines are available under this initiative. Additionally, 222 AMRIT Pharmacies across 29 states and Union Territories provide medicines at discounts of up to 50%.
Focus on Early Diagnosis and Awareness
The government is also prioritizing cancer prevention through early diagnosis and awareness programs under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). So far, 770 District NCD clinics and 6,410 NCD clinics at community health centers have been established to tackle the growing burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
A Call for Immediate Action
The ICMR study underscores the urgent need for addressing water contamination near river drains to mitigate the cancer risk for millions of residents. While the government’s efforts to improve cancer care and affordability are commendable, experts emphasize the importance of tackling the root cause of the problem—pollution.
As the nation grapples with this health crisis, the focus must remain on both prevention and cure to ensure a healthier future for all.
