SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HYPERTHERMIA MAHAVIR CANCER SANSTHAN

Patna, 16 February 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me pleasure to inaugurate the International Conference on Hyperthermic Oncology & Medicine here in Patna at the Mahavir Cancer Sansthan.

Medical science is rapidly growing and advancing. Research is being undertaken in many institutions all over the world, where scientists are focusing on developing new medicines, new ways to treat diseases and new techniques for the treatment of diseases, including cancer. Cancer, thought to be incurable in the past. However, in the recent times there have been phenomenal advances in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment. New techniques in radiation therapy, medical oncology, surgical oncology and diagnostics have revolutionized the approach to cancer as a disease. Conferences such as these, provide a useful platform to discuss new medical advances and to share experiences in medical practices, including alternate systems of medicine.

According to the World Health Organisation in the year 2000, worldwide there were 22.4 million persons living with cancer, 10 million new cases of cancer and 6.2 million cancer deaths. By 2020, the number of new cases is expected to reach at least 15 million a year and cancer deaths increasing to 10 million a year. In our country, cancer is the sixth leading cause of death. According to estimates from National Cancer Registry Program, there are approximately 2.5 million cases of cancer in India at any given point of time and about 0. 8 million new cases occur every year. Nearly 0.4 million patients die due to the disease each year. Cancer patient care is going to be a great challenge in the forthcoming years in India. Cancer can be controlled if diagnosed well in time. However, in India about two-third of the cancer patients are diagnosed at the advanced stage, when it becomes more difficult to treat. Prevention and early detection is the best means to control the various types of cancers. It is assessed that at least, one-third of all cancers can be prevented, particularly cancer related to use of tobacco for which awareness programmes should be undertaken. Similarly, early detection through effective screening programmes by developing community based Oncological services in the country should be promoted.

Under the National Cancer Control Program, we have 25 Regional Cancer Centres in the country providing comprehensive cancer treatment facilities and which are carrying out cancer prevention and research activities. We have nearly 210 institutions in the country with cancer treatment facilities by radiotherapy through about 350 Teletherapy units installed in the country. In the 11th Five Year plan, focus will be on community-based cancer prevention and control strategies. I understand that under the 11th plan the tentative budget allocation for cancer is Rs. 2,400 crore, which is about 10 times the amount under the 10th Plan allocation. It is expected that with this, the geographical gap in the availability of cancer treatment facilities would be reduced to some extent. However, these efforts need to be supported and supplemented by private efforts, and in this context the work of institutions like the Mahavir Cancer Sansthan is laudable.

Healthy citizens make healthy nations. For the economic and social development of the country and for improving the quality of life of our citizens, we need to provide healthcare to the people with a special focus on making health facilities available to those residing in rural areas and to under privileged sections of society, especially women and children. This requires proper attention to developing a strong health infrastructure along with dedicated doctors, trained nurses and technical manpower throughout the country. Equally important is the need to have functional health centers, starting from the village level upto speciality Hospitals.

Healthcare delivery in India is multifaceted, consisting of diverse practitioners and institutions, mixed ownership patterns and differing systems of medicine. The last several decades have seen significant improvement in the health system, with strides being made in demographic and infrastructure indicators. Our initiatives in the public health sector have also achieved some success with respect to treating various diseases. We have been successful in eradicating small pox and Guinea Worm Disease. We have taken significant steps with respect to diseases like polio and leprosy. However, new diseases and increase in the number of outbreaks like Cholera, Dengue, Meningitis and Avian Influenza constantly require our attention. We need to, therefore, continue with our research and development effort in the field of medicine and medical sciences. This is one area in which we must increase investment and the setting up of new medical research facilities should be expedited.

Doctors provide valuable healthcare to patients. Doctors have been considered almost demi-gods by their patients as they have the capacity to give new hope and, often, new life to their patients. I would urge the medical community to work for the welfare of the people with a spirit of dedication. This should be the prime motive of being in this profession. Similarly, the role of para-medical staff is very important. They are the silent workers who provide crucial support at all times. We should look at proper training facilities for them. They too are performing service to humanity and we must recognize the important role that they play.

Deficiencies with regard to access and affordability of our health services persist. How to make treatment available to all patients and particularly to poor patients is a great challenge. I have come to know that the Mahavir Cancer Sansthan is catering to the needs of poor cancer patients from not only Bihar and Jharkhand but also those from nearby States. I would encourage you to continue your good work and also call on others to follow this example where money is utilized for alleviating the pain and suffering of humankind. Apart from remedial treatment, it is also necessary to provide palliative care for terminal patients. Organisations like Mahavir Cancer Sansthan may take a lead in providing such facilities in the country.

I congratulate the participants who have come to attend this Conference from many countries and who will discuss the new technique of Hyperthermia treatment over the next 2 days and share their experiences with their Indian counterparts. It is most appropriate that this Conference is being held in Bihar, a place where most of the major religions have deep roots, and known as the "Land of Enlightenment". I wish the Conference every success.

Thank You.

JAI HIND !