Punjab government to provide Rs 50 billion medicines to cancer patients

The Punjab government in collaboration with Novartis Pharma International would provide medicines of Rs 50 billion to the cancer patients free of cost during the next five years for which the 'Chief Minister Punjab Cancer Control Project' has been expended, Punjab Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education (SH&ME) Khawaja Salman Rafique, said.
Speaking at a ceremony organised by the Novartis Pharma International & Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department in connection the World Cancer Day here on Saturday, Salman said that during the last four years, medicines worth Rs 27 billion had been provided to cancer patients.
Expressing concern over surge in cancer cases, the minister advised the people to adopt preventive measures against the disease for which vigorous awareness campaign at mass level would be helpful. Dr Ramesh Kumar MNA, Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital Prof. Rashid Zia, MS Jinnah Hospital Dr Sohail Saqlain, Prof. Dr Ijaz Hussain, Prof. Ibrar Ahmad Javaid also spoke on the occasion.
Prof. Dr Rashid Zia informed the audience that under the expanded program of Punjab Cancer Control Project, nine thousand patients of seven different types of cancer would be given free medicine on regular basis. He said that use of tobacco, betel leaves, smoking, use of adulterated food items and pollution are causing surge in the disease of cancer.
Prof. Dr Ijaz Hussain proposed vaccination of young women against breast cancer. He said that Hepatitis-B vaccination at mass level can be helpful in reducing the chances of breast and liver cancers.
Dr Ramesh Kumar MNA revealed that the "Cancer Control Project" was initially launched in Balochistan, Sindh and KPK but the Punjab is running the project most successfully due to the political commitment. On this occasion, Kh. Salman Rafique appreciated the efforts of Novartis International in cancer control through providing medicines of billions of rupees for the patients.