President Murmu stresses equitable cancer care at KLE hospital launch

Belagavi – Karnataka: Inaugurating the KLE Cancer Hospital in Belagavi, Karnataka, President Droupadi Murmu underscored the need for a patient-centric, equitable healthcare system to combat the growing burden of cancer in India, emphasizing awareness, timely diagnosis, and gender equity in healthcare.

Cancer: A growing global and national concern

President Murmu highlighted the alarming rise in global cancer cases, with 20 million new diagnoses and nearly 9.7 million deaths in 2022. In India, the cancer incidence rate stands at 100 patients per lakh population and is projected to grow by 13% by 2025, according to an ICMR study.

Comprehensive and compassionate care is crucial

The President emphasized the responsibility of healthcare professionals to address both the physical and emotional needs of cancer patients. She noted that words of compassion from doctors can significantly impact patients’ recovery journeys.

Lack of awareness and financial constraints often lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which can be fatal for cancer patients. President Murmu called for collective efforts to spread awareness about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer to mitigate these challenges.

Drawing attention to societal biases, the President urged families to prioritize women’s health equally. Delays in diagnosing and treating women, especially in cases of cancer, can have critical consequences. She encouraged families and society to proactively support women in seeking timely medical care.

A call for a world-class, patient-centric healthcare system

President Murmu advocated for a healthcare system that is accessible and equitable for all, ensuring that patients, regardless of gender or financial status, receive timely and effective care. She called for collaborative efforts to transform healthcare into a more inclusive and advanced sector.