Shillong, June 12, 2024: The Civil Hospital, Shillong and State Cancer Society, Meghalaya
today celebrated ‘National Cancer Survivors Day’ at the DAE-Civil Hospital Cancer Wing.
This event honours the strength and resilience of cancer survivors, while also raising
awareness about the ongoing battle against cancer in the region.
Dignitaries in attendance include Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister,
Health & Family Welfare, Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department
of Health & Family Welfare and Chairman, State Cancer Society of Meghalaya, Dr.
Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. F.V.
Kharshiing, Director, Health Services (MI), Dr. Lily S. Ch. Marak, Additional Director,
Health Services, Dr. Anisha Mawlong, Head of Department, Oncology Department,
Civil Hospital amongst others.
Earlier, in February this year, Meghalaya hosted the Meghalaya Cancer Conclave with the
theme “Close The Care Gap” which witnessed a gathering of key stakeholders, including
oncologists, cancer researchers, scholars, NGOs, top bureaucrats amongst others with a focus
on addressing the disparities in cancer care and ensuring equitable access to treatment for all.
Hon’ble Minister, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh in her
keynote address stated that the government is committed to ensure that people are provided
with the best possible treatment for cancer and is working towards bringing the latest medical
equipment and facilities to every district of the state. “We have a long journey ahead, we
shall not stop, we shall not say that we have done it all. Together this government will serve
the people. It is not individuals, or ministers or any other doctor or staff, but together we will
fight this.”
Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Health & Family
Welfare said “By listening to our cancer survivors, it gives us a lot of hope, that if detected
early, we can actually cure cancer. The key message here is that awareness is very
important.” The cancer wing of Civil Hospital, Shillong is providing care for more than
7000-8000 patients every year, which is a massive effort done by the government, and most
of the budgetary expenditure that Meghalaya is spending, which is almost close to 9 percent
of the state budget is on health care.
Dr. F.V. Kharshiing, Director, Health Services (MI), while emphasizing on the importance
of continued support for cancer patients and the importance of combined efforts said, “From
shared experiences, we've learned that power to combat cancer lies within our heart and our
souls. It's about maintaining a positive mindset, believing in our ability to overcome
challenges, and spreading awareness about the importance of early detection and
prevention.”
The programme also saw testimonies given by cancer survivors. One of the cancer survivors
stated that she is thankful to doctors and healthcare providers at Civil Hospital, Shillong who
provided her with the best treatment. She urged everyone to not be afraid, but to make the
best possible use of the early screening and treatment facilities that are being provided.
Guided by the State Cancer Society, the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with
Apollo Telemedicine Foundation and the World Economic Forum, in May 2023, launched
the ‘Megh Can Care’ program with the aim to screen people for cancer and mobilize them for
early diagnostics and treatment and enhance a responsible system of care delivery. The
government has also launched a cancer helpline number 14410 to avail free screening.
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