In Jammu & Kashmir a healthcare crisis silently unfolds. Cancer patients from across the Union Territory face an arduous journey not just in their battle against the disease, but in physically accessing quality cancer care. The establishment of a Tata Memorial Cancer (TMC) Hospital in either Srinagar or Jammu has emerged as a critical necessity, one that could transform the healthcare landscape of the entire region.
The healthcare infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir has seen significant improvements in recent years, particularly with the implementation of various government initiatives. The establishment of AIIMS facilities has undoubtedly enhanced the region’s medical capabilities. However when it comes to specialised cancer care, the gap remains substantial and concerning.
Currently, cancer patients from J&K must undertake exhausting journeys to major cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh or any other Centre in country to access comprehensive cancer treatment. This geographical displacement creates multiple challenges:
The cost of cancer treatment is already substantial for most families. When combined with travel expenses, accommodation costs and the need for accompanying family members to relocate temporarily, the financial burden becomes overwhelming. Many families are forced to sell assets or incur heavy debts to fund their treatment journey.
Long distance travel is particularly challenging for cancer patients whose immunity is often compromised due to the disease and treatment. The physical strain of traveling hundreds or kilometers, sometimes in difficult weather conditions adds to their suffering. The emotional impact of being away from home and community support systems during such a critical time cannot be understated.
The logistical challenges of accessing distant healthcare facilities often result in delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation. Some patients may even postpone follow-up visits due to the travel burden, potentially compromising their treatment outcomes.
The Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) has established itself as a beacon of hope in cancer care across India. Its unique attributes make it an ideal institution to address J&K’s cancer care needs:
TMC is renowned for its comprehensive cancer care approach, combining cutting-edge technology with experienced medical professionals. The institution’s research capabilities and evidence based treatment protocols have set national standards in oncology care.
TMC’s model of providing high quality cancer care at subsidised rates has proven particularly beneficial for economically disadvantaged patients. This aspect is crucial for J&K, where many families struggle with treatment costs.
A TMC facility would not just serve patients but also help build local capacity by training healthcare professionals from the region. This would create a sustainable ecosystem of cancer care expertise within J&K.
The establishment of a TMC facility in either Srinagar or Jammu would revolutionize cancer care accessibility for the entire region.
Proximity to specialised cancer care facilities often leads to better screening programs and earlier detection. This is crucial as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes in most cancers.
Regular follow-up is essential in cancer treatment. A local facility would ensure better compliance with follow-up protocols and monitoring of treatment responses.
Patients could maintain their support systems while undergoing treatment, a factor that significantly impacts recovery and quality of life during treatment.
The current administration has shown commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in J&K. The establishment of AIIMS and other medical facilities demonstrates this dedication. However, the specific need for specialised cancer care requires focused attention.
While AIIMS facilities have reduced the healthcare access burden for many conditions, cancer care requires specialised infrastructure, expertise and technology that only dedicated cancer centers like TMC can provide effectively.
Cancer incidence rates in J&K, like in other parts of India, are showing an upward trend. A proactive approach to establishing comprehensive cancer care infrastructure would help address this growing public health challenge.
Through extensive research and interactions with cancer patients and their families from J&K, several compelling narratives emerge, Patient Experiences
Families speak of selling property, leaving jobs and disrupting children’s education to facilitate cancer treatment in distant cities. These stories pushed me to raise the issue and highlight the urgent need for local specialised cancer care facilities.
Local medical professionals acknowledge the limitations in providing comprehensive cancer care with existing infrastructure and emphasize the need for a specialised center.
The establishment of a TMC facility in J&K requires coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders.
Elected Government in J&K Ut and Lieutenant Governor’s office with the support of the Central Government need to prioritise this healthcare imperative. The required land allocation, regulatory approvals and funding mechanisms need to be expedited.
Infrastructure Planning
Careful consideration must be given to the location choice between Srinagar and Jammu, ensuring maximum accessibility for the entire region. Transportation links, supporting infrastructure, and accommodation facilities need to be planned comprehensively.
Local medical communities, civil society organizations, and patient groups should be involved in the planning process to ensure the facility meets regional needs effectively.
The establishment of a Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital in Jammu & Kashmir is not just a healthcare necessity but a humanitarian imperative. The current situation, where cancer patients must undertake arduous journeys for treatment, adds unnecessary suffering to an already challenging battle against the disease.
The success of AIIMS facilities in the region has demonstrated the positive impact of investing in quality healthcare infrastructure. A TMC facility would take this progress further, specifically addressing the critical need for specialised cancer care.
The time has come for decisive action from both the UT administration and the Central Government. The hopes of countless families affected by cancer hang in the balance. Every day of delay means more patients facing the challenging choice between their health and their resources.
As voices from across J&K unite in this appeal, the establishment of a TMC facility stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to healthcare equity and accessibility. The realization of this project would not just save lives but also restore dignity to the cancer care journey for countless patients and their families in the region.
ZAMAN NOOR
Writer is an Independent Public Opinion Analyst, Research Columnist and Peace Activist.
Can be reached at noor.penning@gmail
