Decentralised Chemotherapy services in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal: The Government Spokesperson said that as per the National estimates there are about 15000 cancer patients in the State of Himachal Pradesh. Due to extreme geographical and environmental conditions many patients are not able to avail the chemotherapy services from the specialist doctors at distant locations in the medical colleges. He added that due to unavailability of oncologist in the State, the MOU was signed in 2019 with an oncologist from Mumbai for capacity building of the MBBS doctors for cancer care and providing chemotherapy to the cancer patients.
The Government Spokesperson informed that 10 cancer care units has been set up in high load facilities at district hospitals and sub district level hospitals by providing dedicated and trained support staff. The cancer care units are also providing cancer screening facilities, IEC and follow-up chemotherapy services under guidance and tele-consultation by the oncologist/specialists.
The Government Spokesperson told that since January 2019 to January 2022, total 16344 patients have been registered in the cancer care units and 4708 chemotherapy cycles has been provided in these units. 75 cancer screening camps has also been organized at peripheral level for maximizing the reach, creating awareness and screening for cancer care. He further added that the patients are receiving cancer care and chemotherapy services as advised from the tertiary institutions in the nearest cancer care unit now. Furthermore, he said that it has been seen that during COVID period these services were useful to the cancer patients and there was a 50% increase in utilization of chemotherapy services through these units.