People Living Near River Drains Face Elevated Risk of Cancer: ICMR

New Delhi: Indian Council of medical Research (ICMR) has informed that a study conducted in 2024 and published in the Indian Academy of Sciences on Human health risk assessment revealed that people dwelling near river drains are highly prone to cancer disease and hazard quotients were observed above the threshold limit that poses high non-carcinogenic risks.

The results of the study revealed that lead, iron, and aluminium exceeded the permissible limit of the Central Pollution Control Board.

With regards to the steps taken treatment of cancer, Central Government is committed to improving cancer care and treatment accessibility through the implementation of the Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme. Under this initiative, 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) have been approved to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.

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Notably, the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Haryana, and the second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata have been established to further enhance cancer care services.

In addition, cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which will offer comprehensive diagnostic, medical, and surgical services. The government ensures that treatment in these hospitals is either free or highly subsidized for the poor and needy, making essential healthcare accessible to all.

Cancer treatment is also covered under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY), which provides up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care. This scheme benefits approximately 55 crore people (12.37 crore families) from the bottom 40% of the population. Recently, the PM-JAY extended health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. The scheme includes over 200 packages encompassing more than 500 procedures related to Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Palliative Medicine within the National Health Benefit Package (HBP).

To further support cancer treatment, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has been launched to establish dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs). As of February 28, 2025, a total of 15,057 PMBJKs have been opened across the country, providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices. The scheme includes 2,047 types of medicines and 300 surgical devices, with 87 products specifically available for cancer treatment.

The Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) initiative, launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, aims to provide affordable medicines for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other health conditions. As of January 31, 2025, there are 222 AMRIT Pharmacies across 29 States and Union Territories, offering over 6,500 drugs, including those for cancer, at discounts of up to 50% off market rates.

To combat major Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cancer, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) is being implemented by the Department of Health and Family Welfare. This program focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, and management. Under NP-NCD, 770 District NCD Clinics, 372 District Day Care Centres, and 6,410 NCD Clinics at Community Health Centres have been established nationwide.

The preventive aspect of cancer is being reinforced through Comprehensive Primary Health Care via Ayushman Arogya Mandir, promoting wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level. Public awareness initiatives, including the observance of National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day, are being conducted through print, electronic, and social media. The NP-NCD also provides financial support under the National Health Mission for awareness generation activities related to NCDs, including cancer, as outlined in the States/UTs Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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