Encouraging Open Conversations About Women’s Health: President Droupadi Murmu’s Call to Action
Bengaluru: In a powerful address delivered during the inauguration of KLE Cancer Hospital in Belagavi, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of fostering open discussions about women’s health within families. She pointed out that many women often face delays in receiving timely diagnoses and treatments, primarily due to traditional mindsets that do not prioritize women’s health concerns—sometimes even by the women themselves. Such delays can be particularly critical in cases of cancer, Murmu stressed.
Societal Responsibility Towards Women’s Health
Highlighting the collective responsibility towards women’s health, President Murmu urged society to take a more proactive approach in ensuring that women receive the necessary care and timely treatments. She cited a global study that identified cancer as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2022 alone, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases, resulting in approximately 9.7 million deaths globally. In India, the cancer incidence rate stands at around 100 cases for every one lakh individuals, she noted. Moreover, a study from the Indian Council of Medical Research forecasts a 13 percent increase in cancer cases in India by 2025 compared to 2020.
A Step Forward in Cancer Care
The establishment of the new cancer hospital in Belagavi is a significant advancement in providing specialized cancer care and palliative services to the community, according to Murmu. She also acknowledged the positive impact of the Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana, which is recognized by a prominent medical journal for enhancing timely access to cancer treatment.
Improving Treatment Timeliness
President Murmu elaborated that the time taken from cancer diagnosis to the commencement of treatment has notably decreased since the introduction of this scheme, which is especially beneficial for low-income groups. With the expansion of the scheme to cover all senior citizens aged 70 and above, it promises to further facilitate access to affordable healthcare services for various ailments, including cancer.
Raising Awareness About Cancer
The President stressed the essential need for increased awareness around the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. She acknowledged the challenges many face due to a lack of knowledge or financial constraints that lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. "In the case of cancer, these delays can be fatal," she warned.
President Murmu’s address serves as a reminder of the urgent need to prioritize women’s health issues and ensure that they are supported both by their families and society in the journey towards better health outcomes.
