The government of Telangana has launched a new day care chemotherapy centre in Siddipet district for cancer patients. The centre is the first of its kind in the State and is expected to provide relief to cancer patients who had to travel long distances for treatment. The government is planning to establish similar facilities in eight medical colleges and 33 districts to provide easy access to chemotherapy services. The Siddipet centre has four beds and offers 60 types of medicines. Patients referred by other hospitals can access chemo services here.
The government is providing medical care worth Rs four lakhs free of charge, with tests required for every chemo patient. Patients receive tele-consultation services from the centre and can also undergo essential tests. According to the Health Minister, there are currently 468 cancer cases in Siddipet. The government is urging citizens to practice healthy habits, avoid cigarettes and tobacco, eat a vegetarian diet, and engage in physical activity and exercise.
Through the Arogyasri scheme, the government has spent over Rs 800 crores on cancer care since 2014. MNJ and NIMS hospitals provide essential treatment to cancer patients across the State. The government is also taking steps to develop MNJ Hospital as a State cancer centre. In addition to essential treatments, the government is offering palliative care services in 33 districts to provide care to terminally ill patients. The Telangana Diagnostic Scheme offers state-of-the-art services required for detecting cancer, while the Telangana Health Profile Scheme is identifying common cancers at the primary stage. The government is making arrangements to create awareness among the people and change their habits to prevent cancer.
