Kerala govt setting up 22 cancer centres in all districts

In a first in country, Kerala government is setting up 22 cancer treatment centres across all 14 districts, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

initiative, being undertaken in association with city-based Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), would enable cancer patients to continue ir treatment during this COVID-19 period, Vijayan told reporters here.

This is for first time such an initiative was being taken in country, he said. As immunity of cancer patients is low, it is t visable for m to travel long distances for treatment.

Any exposure to coronavirus infection would have serious repercussions on ir health, chief minister said. treatment centres would be based at district hospitals and general hospitals in districts.

Health Minister K K Shailaja said, "Right w, we are setting up cancer treatment centres with RCC's assistance."

"We will also take help and support of or regional cancer centres to expand this service to or areas in future," she said. Cancer patients from across state usually undergo treatment at RCC here. w, y would be able to continue ir follow-up treatments, including chemorapy, at ir nearest treatment centres.

doctors at RCC would provide ir services to treatment centres through teleconferencing.