
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 4: In a landmark step towards the comprehensive management of cancer, the Cancer Policy for Jammu and Kashmir was unveiled today at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu.
The unveiling was done during a one-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) event organized by the Department of Radiation Oncology, GMC Jammu, in collaboration with ‘BCPBF The Cancer Foundation’ and the newly constituted society ‘Friends of GMC Jammu.’
The inaugural ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Dr Farooq Abdullah (former chief minister of J&K), Sakina Masood Itoo (Minister for Health and Medical Education), Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (Secretary, Health and Medical Education), Dr Sameer Kaul (a leading cancer specialist in India), Dr Ashraf Ganie (Director SKIMS) and Dr Pavan Malhotra (Director Principal, ASCOMS).
The Cancer Policy, meticulously crafted by Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu and a renowned oncologist, was officially launched at the CME, which saw participation from top oncologists across the country. Among the speakers were Dr Rakesh Jalali (Apollo Hospital Chennai), Dr Dipenjan Panda (Apollo Hospital Delhi), Dr Anusheel Munshi (Delhi), Dr Vijay Patil (Mumbai), and Dr Vimal Pandita (Dehradun). The event attracted more than 500 delegates from within and beyond J&K.
The newly introduced cancer policy focuses on enhancing cancer screening for head and neck, breast, lung, cervical, prostate, and colon cancers. It proposes the introduction of the cervical cancer vaccine under the Universal Immunization Program and mandates the establishment of oncology facilities in all new medical colleges, including chemotherapy services and surgical oncology, as per NMC guidelines. The policy further emphasizes the upgradation of tertiary care institutes such as SKIMS, GMC Jammu, and GMC Srinagar, equipping them with high-end facilities like radiation oncology, PET scans, and molecular oncology labs. It also highlights the need for expanding palliative care services to all district hospitals and considers the restriction or banning of tobacco products to curb cancer incidence.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Farooq Abdullah emphasized that cancer care extends beyond medical, surgical, and radiation therapy to include social, psychological, and economic aspects. He urged healthcare professionals to approach cancer patients with empathy and ensure transparent communication to foster trust between doctors, patients, and their families.
In her address, Sakina Itoo reflected on the legacy of late Dr Sheikh Abdullah, who laid the foundation stone of GMC Jammu in 1982. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to elevating medical standards in J&K to national levels. She also stressed the importance of early awareness, advocating for cancer education initiatives at school and college levels to prevent the disease at its onset.
Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah said there is need to create awareness on cancer at school and college level. He also urged the faculty to give due priority to original home-grown collaborative research in addition to healthcare delivery.