Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday informed Rajya Sabha that the government is keen on research for combating cancer through national as well as international collaborations and plans to establish 1.5 lakh health and wellness clinics in the country by 2022.
Replying to a discussion on the need to ensure basic facilities and affordable treatment to cancer patients in the Upper House, the Minister said at present there are 482 centres in the country for cancer treatment with 695 teletherapy machines.
"Health and Wellness clinics are another component of Ayushman Bharat scheme. By December 31, 2022, we want to establish 1.5 lakh health and wellness clinics out of which, 19,000-20,000 have already been established and by March 31 (2020) this figure will reach 40,000," Harsh Vardhan said.
The 'National Cancer Grid' initiative for uniform treatment of cancer patients was being closely monitored by the Prime Minister, with 177 institutions, activists, patients and advocacy groups associated with it, the Minister said.
He observed that 60-70 per cent of the common cancers detected in India are preventable and highlighted the significance of early diagnosis.
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