1836 Cancer Patients in Himachal; Rising Cases Reported in Mandi and Shimla

Shimla, August 22:
The number of cancer patients in Himachal Pradesh has reached 1,836 in 2024, compared to 2,363 in 2023 and 2,428 in 2022. Mandi and Shimla districts have reported a higher incidence of cancer cases than other parts of the state.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, responding to a joint question raised by MLAs Rakesh Kalia and Kuldeep Singh Rathore during Question Hour in the Assembly on Friday, said Himachal ranks second in the country after the North-East in terms of cancer prevalence. He assured that the government is taking active steps to address this serious concern.

The Chief Minister announced that PET scan facilities will soon be introduced at IGMC Shimla, followed by Tanda Medical College, and later extended to Nerchowk, Hamirpur, and other medical colleges. He also said that the process of establishing a Cancer Institute in Hamirpur has already begun.

Sukhu added that financial aid for cancer patients is being provided through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, citing the case of a child from Una who is receiving government support. He informed that an expert medical committee has been constituted to recommend further steps, and facilities such as linear accelerators and advanced diagnostic tools will be expanded for treatment.

Acknowledging the link between excessive use of pesticides and urea with rising cancer cases, the CM said the government is working to promote natural farming. He has directed the Horticulture Minister to ensure quality standards for sprays and medicines used on fruits and vegetables.

During supplementary discussion, MLA Kuldeep Rathore emphasized that Mandi and Shimla are reporting the highest number of cases, mainly due to rampant pesticide use in apples and vegetables. He pointed out that substandard and unbranded agrochemicals are being sold freely in the market without regulation. Rathore urged the government to take strict action against such practices and asked the Food and Civil Supplies Department to conduct regular inspections. He further stressed the importance of encouraging natural farming to prevent life-threatening diseases like cancer in the future.