Junk traditional thought to prioritise women’s health, cancer care: Murmu

Belagavi: President Droupadi Murmu has advised the nation to move away from a traditional mindset when it comes to addressing health issues, especially those involving women.

Speaking at the inaugurating of the 300-bed Dr Sampatkumar S Shivanagi Cancer Hospital of KLE Society in Belagavi on Friday, the President said: "Women often don't have timely diagnoses due to the traditional mindset of their families, leading to cancer. Families and society can play a bigger role in addressing health issues among women."

Apart from families, society must also take care of women by giving them priority, she added.

The President said it has a devastating effect on family members when someone in the family is diagnosed with cancer. In such cases, it's the duty of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care in addressing the physical and psychological needs of the patient.

In addition to treatment, what patients need is a ray of hope. Thus, every doctor should be kind-hearted while treating cancer patients, she further said.

According to Murmu, there is a greater need to create awareness on early diagnosis, and treatment options.

"In many cases, either due to ignorance of the patient or financial problems, diagnosis and treatment are delayed," she rued.

Citing a global study, Murmu said in 2022, 20 million new cancer cases were diagnosed. Of these, 9.7 million people died. When it comes to India, the President said, 100 for every 1 lakh of population have cancer. She further said ICMR study shows cancer cases in the country are set to increase by 13% by 2025.

Lauding the initiatives of KLE Society, led by Prabhakar Kore, the chairman, to establish a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in the North Karnataka region, Murmu said, "Indeed, it's a noble cause."

Union minister Pralhad Joshi, state public works minister Satish Jarkiholi, medical education minister Sharan Prakash Patil, MP Jagadish Shettar, and MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi were present at the programme.