CHANDIGARH: Union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced an ambitious cancer-combat programme to bring down the cases in India, saying the project would soon be launched in 100 districts of the country. 
The minister was here on Friday to deliver his address at PGI convocation on the occasion of World Cancer Day. He said each district would be given Rs 1 lakh per patient for chemotherapy and that the initiative involves screening people over 30 years of age for diabetes, cancer or stroke.
'As a WHO report projects, our nation would turn a cancer hub by 2020. PGI can provide technical oversight to programmes at least in this part of the country. In this manner, the skill and expertise developed in the institute could be transplanted at the grassroot level,' he said.
Azad, who is also the president of PGI, also emphasized on the need to review work standards in premier institutes. 'And for this purpose, a questionnaire has been prepared for the faculty. We will circulate this soon,' he said.
Pilot projects will be launched in 100 districts separately for cancer, stroke and diabetes and last for a period of five years. 'PGI attracts patients from across the nation as there is affordable and quality healthcare. However, there is a need to think out of the box and enhance interdisciplinary connectivity. Doctors must not be just limited to patient care. For instance, both AIIMS and PGI must explore health economics,' he said.
The minister claimed that promotional schemes have been moved on the fast track. 'Those who were made professor after 15 years of service, will now only take 10 years. Payscales have been revised with effect from December 2008,' said Azad.
In the 11th plan, the ministry has a centrally-sponsored scheme of Rs 1,350 crore for strengthening and upgradation of medical colleges. This is expected to add about 4,000 postgraduate medical seats to the existing pool.
The minister was here on Friday to deliver his address at PGI convocation on the occasion of World Cancer Day. He said each district would be given Rs 1 lakh per patient for chemotherapy and that the initiative involves screening people over 30 years of age for diabetes, cancer or stroke.
'As a WHO report projects, our nation would turn a cancer hub by 2020. PGI can provide technical oversight to programmes at least in this part of the country. In this manner, the skill and expertise developed in the institute could be transplanted at the grassroot level,' he said.
Azad, who is also the president of PGI, also emphasized on the need to review work standards in premier institutes. 'And for this purpose, a questionnaire has been prepared for the faculty. We will circulate this soon,' he said.
Pilot projects will be launched in 100 districts separately for cancer, stroke and diabetes and last for a period of five years. 'PGI attracts patients from across the nation as there is affordable and quality healthcare. However, there is a need to think out of the box and enhance interdisciplinary connectivity. Doctors must not be just limited to patient care. For instance, both AIIMS and PGI must explore health economics,' he said.
The minister claimed that promotional schemes have been moved on the fast track. 'Those who were made professor after 15 years of service, will now only take 10 years. Payscales have been revised with effect from December 2008,' said Azad.
In the 11th plan, the ministry has a centrally-sponsored scheme of Rs 1,350 crore for strengthening and upgradation of medical colleges. This is expected to add about 4,000 postgraduate medical seats to the existing pool.
