A comforting decision

Amid the crisis and complaints in the healthcare sector, the government's decision to provide medicines for cancer treatment and post-organ transplants through Karunya Pharmacies on a non-profit basis is hopeful and encouraging in all respects. The government has announced that around 800 medicines, including expensive medicines for cancer treatment and medicines used after organ transplants, will be provided at the lowest rates without taking any profit from them. This action will help give new hope in life to tens of thousands of people who are suffering from the increasing incidence of cancer.

Cancer is becoming rampant in Kerala. According to official figures, 15,000 to 16,000 new cancer patients register for treatment every year at the Regional Cancer Center in Thiruvananthapuram alone.

Our changing food habits and lifestyles are some of the major causes of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, around 33,000 people are diagnosed with brain cancer each year. Cancer can target any region of the body, including the breast, lungs, uterus, and pancreas. Millions of people worldwide are affected by this deadly disease every year. No matter the type of cancer, the cost of treatment is beyond affordability. Many people are forced to sell their houses or land to pay for treatment.

On the other hand, the multinational companies that manufacture the medicines needed for treatment charge high rates without any empathy. Ten tablets for brain cancer treatment cost Rs 500 at Karunya Pharmacy and Rs 2000 at a private pharmacy. An injection worth Rs 1,000 costs tens of thousands in private pharmacies. The government's announcement has come as a new light for those who are finding it difficult to seek treatment by paying such heavy sums. Those who undergo organ transplants are also required to take medication after the procedure. They have to take medication lifelong. It is also commendable that the medicines used by such people will also be provided at a low cost.

The theme of this year's World Cancer Day was 'Close the Care Gap'. The government's decision to provide medicines on a non-profit basis can be viewed as part of its efforts to bring relief to aching and weeping individuals. Congratulations to the administration, especially Health Minister Veena George, for taking the initiative.

After Nipah and Covid, several new and old diseases are raising threats in Kerala. The last of these is Amoebic meningoencephalitis. The government should take immediate action to learn more about this disease, take caution and create awareness among people.