Prayagraj,

20 Feb (HS): Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And

Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj & ICPC (International Cancer Patient

Coalition) has organised a two days’

high level political summit and conference on “Equity in Action Driving Process

in Cancer Care” from Thursday. Reknown Rajya Sabha MP, Dr. Sasmit Patra from Odisha, ICPC Secretary

General Prof (Dr.) Dennis Horgan, SHUATS VC Prof. (Dr.) Rajendra B. Lal, Pro

Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Jonathan A. Lal, Pro Vice Chancellor

(Administration) Prof. Bishwarup Mehra and Registrar Prof. Ranu Prasad

inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp.

Dr.

Dennis Horgan advocated building strong healthcare systems, advancing and

equitable cancer care and empowering patients, communities. He said that

through this conference a framework will be developed with the objective to

develop a system for early detection of all types of cancer at the global

level, to emphasize on the digital screening in public places and hospitals, to

increase the rate of early detection of cancer by 15 percent by 2030, to raise

5 million dollars fund to promote cancer prevention initiative, to train 500

cancer scientists for artificial intelligence (AI) driven diagnosis and

telemedicine by 2027 and to increase investment in research and development

etc. He also said that it is the need of the hour for the public and private

sectors to work together for the diagnosis of cancer and to formulate policies

that support the cancer health care system.

MP

Dr. Sasmit Patra talked about increasing the annual cap of Rs 5 lakh in

Ayushman Bharat scheme for cancer treatment, establishing a global protocol for

cancer diagnosis and prevention, manufacturing of expensive imported medicines

in India and also suggested changes in lifestyle and food habits. During the

political round table session, the MP answered the questions raised by the

scholars. The MP, Dr. Fauzia Khan, who joined the conference online, talked

about emphasising on telemedicine, affordable testing, high-level training and

declaring cancer as a notified disease. She suggested to increase cancer

awareness in rural areas.

In

the presidential address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rajendra B. Lal, while

sharing his experience as an agricultural scientist, said that during his work

in America, he examined the chemicals found in water from the soil surface. He

said that the use of organic food definitely keeps away from diseases but one

should not live in the fear of chemicals as well. He talked about adopting a

virtuous and discipline lifestyle by believing in God.

Prof.

Jonathan A. Lal, ICPC Board Member and Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic), said

that the Maha Kumbh Mela in which more than 50 crores people participated in

the city of Prayagraj, teaches us that collective work can bring big changes

and taking inspiration from which this international conference has been

organized. He said that the inputs from policy makers, healthcare experts,

patient advocates, industry representatives, researchers, who are attending the

historic conference, will lead to actionable frameworks and formal commitments

for equitable care through the Asia-Pacific Declaration on Cancer Care.

The

framework is to be developed at the conference including the launching of a

‘Regional Task Force’ to align cancer policies and share best practices, modelling

South Korea’s nationwide genomic profiling, adopting Thailand’s AI-driven early

detection programme (that has reduced mortality by 20%, mobilising resources

through Public-Private Partnerships), supporting patient advocate groups such

as the Philippines Cancer Coalition Foundation. The opening ceremony concluded

with the National Anthem.

The

technical sessions were addressed by Dr. Maricar Sabeniano of the Philippines,

Dr. Saurabh Gupta of Fortis Hospital Delhi, Dr. Sunil K. Gupta of Venkateshwar

Hospital Delhi, Professor of Barcelona University Spain Dr. Karim Lekadir,

Health Director Dr. Laatendu Sarangi from Bhubaneswar, Senior Consultant Dr.

B.S. Srinath from Bengaluru, Dr. Satish Kumar Anandan of Apollo Lucknow, Dr.

(Col) Abhishek Pathak from Lucknow.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi