People living near river drains are at elevated risk of developing cancer: ICMR 

ICMR study reveals high cancer risk near river drains; government initiatives aim to improve cancer treatment accessibility nationwide.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that a study conducted in 2024 and  published in the Indian Academy of Sciences on human health risk assessments revealed that people residing near river drains are highly prone to developing cancer, with hazard quotients observed to be above threshold limits. Lead, iron, and aluminum exceeded permissible limits of the Central Pollution Control Board.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Mr. Jadhav said that with regard to the steps taken for the treatment of cancer, the Central government is committed to improving cancer care and treatment accessibility through the implementation of the Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme. Under this initiative, 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) have been approved to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities including the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Haryana. The second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata has also been established to further enhance cancer care services.

In addition, cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which will offer comprehensive diagnostic, medical, and surgical services. The government will ensure that treatment in these hospitals is either free or highly subsidised for the poor and needy, making essential healthcare accessible to all.

As per the written reply cancer treatment is also covered under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY), which provides up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care. This scheme benefits approximately 55 crore people (12.37 crore families) from the bottom 40% of the population. Recently, the PM-JAY extended health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. The scheme includes over 200 packages encompassing more than 500 procedures related to Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Palliative Medicine within the National Health Benefit Package (HBP).

To further support cancer treatment, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has been launched to establish dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs). As of February 28, 2025, a total of 15,057 PMBJKs have been opened across the country, providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices. The scheme includes 2,047 types of medicines and 300 surgical devices, with 87 products specifically available for cancer treatment.

“Additionally, the Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) initiative, launched by the Health Ministry aims to provide affordable medicines for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other health conditions. As of January 31, 2025, there are 222 AMRIT Pharmacies across 29 States and Union Territories, offering over 6,500 drugs, including those for cancer, at discounts of up to 50% off market rates,’’ added the Minister.