23RD CANCER SURVIVORS’ DAY ORGANISED BY THE BHAGWAN MAHAVEER CANCER HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE
On the occasion of the 23rd Cancer Survivors Day, the dignitaries sharing the dais with me, Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Haribhai Kisan-rao Bagde Ji; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma Ji; Hon’ble Health Minister, Rajasthan, Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar Ji; Chairman of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital, Shri Navrattan Kothari Ji; Vice-Chairmen of the Hospital, Shri Sandeep Kothari Ji, Smt. Anila Kothari Ji and Shri Sanjay Kothari Ji; Executive Director of the Hospital, Retired Major General S.C. Pareek Ji; Bhaiyon and Behnon. Sabko Namaskar!
Today, we have gathered to celebrate a day of unwavering hope and the extraordinary courage of the human spirit at this Cancer Survivors Day. I appreciate the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre and the K.G. Kothari Memorial Trust for organizing such a celebration. Since becoming operational in 1997, the Hospital has rendered exemplary service in the field of cancer care, touching countless lives through its dedicated and compassionate treatment.
Every year, the number of cancer cases is increasing in our country. The I.C.M.R’s National Cancer Registry Programme projections show that there are over 15 lakh cancer cases. The Government, under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shriman Narendra Modi Ji, has launched several measures to combat cancer. Robust policies, strategic interventions, and financial assistance schemes to enhance prevention, early detection, treatment, and patient care nationwide have been introduced.
During the last year, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, more than 68 lakh cancer treatments amounting to over 13,000 crore Rupees have been provided. Notably, nearly 75% of these treatments have been availed by beneficiaries in rural areas. This clearly underscores the Scheme’s vital role in bridging healthcare gaps and extending critical cancer care to under-served populations.
The Central Government has remained deeply responsive to the challenges faced by cancer patients, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
To bridge this geographical gap, the Central Government, in consultation with States and Union Territories, has undertaken the establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres in district hospitals over the next 3 years. More than 450 such centres are already operational, bringing essential cancer care closer to communities. The National Health Mission has also rolled out a comprehensive initiative for the early screening and management of many diseases, including cancer, through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. We have also enhanced the availability of life-saving treatment at the grassroots level by including anti-cancer drugs in the Essential Drugs List at District and Sub-Divisional Hospitals.
One of the most significant initiatives of the Central Government has been its focused efforts to combat Cervical cancer among women. Cervical cancer, as you are aware, remains the second most common cancer affecting women in the country, which requires urgent preventive interventions. In February this year, the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shriman Narendra Modi Ji, marked a major step forward in cancer prevention by launching a nationwide H.P.V. vaccination programme from Ajmer. This landmark initiative aims to provide vaccination coverage to over one crore girls. I appreciate the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma Ji, for their dedicated efforts in advancing this vital public health mission.
Friends, a cancer diagnosis can shake the very foundation of life. It brings uncertainty, fear, and immense challenges. Yet, today, here we have individuals who have faced this storm and emerged stronger, braver, and more resilient than ever before. I am told that every year, survivors from Rajasthan and neighbouring States come together and share their inspiring journeys.
Dear Survivors, you are warriors who have endured countless battles, both physical and emotional, to overcome cancer. You have shown us that strength is not the absence of fear, but the determination to move forward despite it. Behind every survivor present here, there is a story of perseverance, of long nights, difficult treatments, and moments of doubt. But most importantly, you radiate the message of hope which refuses to fade. Your stories carry hope for other families. It is a message of gratitude to the doctors and caregivers who worked tirelessly with compassion and dedication.
I appreciate the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre for providing cancer survivors with a meaningful platform to share their journeys of courage and hope. The hospital has undertaken several initiatives in cancer awareness and early detection, including extensive screening campaigns and the deployment of mobile units that have reached even the remotest villages across Rajasthan. I am pleased to note that, with the support of the State Government and the Health Department, these efforts have enabled the screening of thousands of individuals and the early detection of hundreds of cases—leading to timely treatment and saving precious lives. I am also informed that the hospital actively promotes awareness through street plays, lectures in schools and colleges, and community outreach camps—countering myths and reinforcing the message that cancer is treatable when detected early. I appreciate all these dedicated efforts.
Friends, today is about honouring life itself. It is also about recognizing the importance of early detection, spreading awareness, and supporting one another through every stage of this journey. Let us also remember those who are currently battling cancer. May they find strength in your stories. As we move forward, let us pledge to create a world where no one fights cancer alone, where awareness replaces fear, and where hope becomes stronger than despair. Stay strong, stay hopeful, and keep inspiring the world.
- Thank you.
- Jai Hind!
- Long Live Mother Bharat!
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