The alarming rise in cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir is a matter of grave concern, yet the government has done little to address this growing health crisis. With over 12,000 new cancer cases reported annually and a 10-12 per cent increase each year, the situation is worsening.
Between 2019 and 2022 alone, more than 51,500 cases were recorded, and in 2024, major hospitals like SKIMS Soura, GMC Srinagar, and GMC Jammu registered thousands of new cases. Despite this, the region remains severely under-equipped in terms of cancer treatment facilities, forcing patients to seek costly medical care in Delhi and other parts of the country. This not only drains their financial resources but also adds immense emotional and physical stress to an already devastating condition.
While successive governments have received special financial packages and central funds for healthcare development, mismanagement and poor planning have resulted in inadequate medical infrastructure. Cancer patients in J&K continue to suffer due to the lack of specialized oncology centers, advanced diagnostic tools, and affordable treatment options. The discontinuation of the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for the Poor (CTMFFP) in July 2024 has further worsened the crisis, leaving thousands of financially weak patients without any support for life-saving therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Many families are now forced to either abandon treatment or plunge into debt, highlighting the government’s insensitivity toward this pressing issue.
Although the Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department has allocated Rs 10.40 crore for the establishment of the State Cancer Institute (SCI) at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, this initiative is far from sufficient. The sheer number of cancer cases demands multiple fully functional cancer treatment centers with world-class facilities across the UT. The government’s complacency in failing to expedite these projects reflects a lack of urgency in tackling this public health emergency.
The Central Government has claimed significant improvements in J&K’s healthcare system, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Oxygen availability in healthcare centers has been touted as a major achievement, proving that where there is a will, there is a way. However, the same commitment is missing when it comes to cancer treatment. It is shocking that even after years of financial aid and policy announcements, patients in J&K still lack access to affordable and quality oncology care.
The need of the hour is immediate intervention. The government must establish well-equipped cancer treatment facilities in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Additionally, the reinstatement of financial aid for poor cancer patients is critical to prevent further distress and loss of lives. Cancer is a battle that can be won with timely diagnosis, proper treatment, and financial support. Unfortunately, the government’s inaction is making it a losing fight for many in J&K.
