Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's announcement to form a 'Cancer Grid' involving cancer centres and district, general and taluk hospitals to coordinate cancer treatment in the state will be widely welcomed in the current scenario. The Chief Minister made this announcement while inaugurating the new building complex that was constructed to develop the Malabar Cancer Center in Thalassery as a PG Institute. It is a fact that cancer treatment facilities have not kept pace with the increasing incidence of cancer in the state. The limited resources in government hospitals are far from adequate for the growing demand for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Promises to provide diagnostic and follow-up treatment facilities even in taluk hospitals have been heard for a long time. However, the Health Department faces challenges in securing sufficient funds or experienced doctors to implement these measures. The government has taken effective steps to reduce the cost of cancer treatment, which has brought significant relief to patients. By eliminating middlemen, cancer drugs are being distributed at production cost. However, it is a limitation that these medicines are only available in selected government hospitals. For example, a cancer drug priced at Rs 1.75 lakh in the market is now available for Rs 11,892 in government pharmacies. Similarly, other medicines are also being provided at reduced prices.

Such initiatives will benefit underprivileged patients only if they reach the grassroots level. The Chief Minister also announced plans to expand the vaccination program to prevent cervical cancer in women. It is worth remembering that previous attempts in this regard had to be abandoned due to resistance from misinformation campaigns. Experts point to the use of tobacco and changes in dietary habits as major reasons for the rise in cancer cases in Kerala. A significant portion of the population adopting fast food habits has paved the way for the onset of cancer. Likewise, the excessive use of various intoxicants also contributes to the issue. Only by raising awareness among the public can such factors be controlled.

This is the time when Kerala is facing a big health threat not only in terms of cancer but also in terms of communicable diseases. Previously, dengue, leptospirosis, and common fevers were mainly confined to the monsoon season, but this is no longer the case. These diseases can now occur in any season, increasing the risk. With the rise in the number of patients, the shortage of medicines in government hospitals has worsened, leading to situations where the system is becoming overwhelmed. In January alone, around 1.75 lakh people sought treatment for fever in the state, according to government hospital records. Greater vigilance is necessary to combat the threats posed by diseases like leptospirosis and dengue fever.