Team Herald
BICHOLIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday expressed concern over rising cancer cases in the State and said that early diagnosis can lead to cure and a healthy life.
Sawant was speaking after flagging off the Cancer Screening Abhiyan Van at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Sankhali, an initiative of the State government, Goa Medical College and Hospital.
Flagged off the Cancer Screening Abhiyan Van at Community Health Centre Sankhali, an initiative of the Goa government, Goa Medical College and Hospital, Goa Dental College and the Directorate of Health Services.
Speaking further, Sawant said early diagnosis can lead to cure and a healthy life. The State government is committed to health, happiness of the people of Goa, I appeal to people to avail the services offered. Early diagnosis can minimise risks, quickens treatment, and recovery. Be aware, be safe, be healthy, and live longer, he said.
The Chief Minister asked people of the State to be alert. Stating that it is a lifestyle disease, he appealed to the people to keep a check on their lifestyle. The Cancer Screening Abhiyan is being organised across the State with an objective, early detection at early stage can lead to cure.
A total of 254 screenings were done at the programme held at CHC Sankhali. Earlier, it was held at Mandur, Valpoi, and Curchorem. The Abhiyan will continue at various places, Sawant said urging the people with specified symptoms to come forward and avail themselves of the services offered and get information. Sankhali chairperson Siddhi Porob and Dr Medha Salkar were also present.
Dr Jagadish A Kakodkar, who has been appointed as nodal officer informed that 518 persons were screened at Mandur, Valpoi and Curchorem centres and five per cent turned out to be suspected cases of the dreaded disease, which was concerning.