LUDHIANA: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has exhorted the Cancer Surgeons to develop the specialized diagnostic  mechanism for the early and timely detection of Cancer, so that the required treatment for the cure could be provided to save the precious lives of patients, as it was a curable disease on Friday.

Badal was addressing the  inaugural session of three- day National  Conference of the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology ( IASO)- NATCON-IASO- 2007 on the theme Multidisciplinary Approach in ONCO-SURGERY organized by Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Treatment  and Research Foundation,   here today. In which eminent  cancer surgeons from Japan , USA , UK and India are participating.

Emphasizing the dire need of Cancer Specialized Hospital equipped with latest diagnostic technology, The Chief minister said  that in Punjab, the number of cancer  patients was increasing with fast speed and Malwa belt of the state had been badly hit by Cancer. He said that the patients had to cover a long distance to Bikaner from Punjab for getting treatment for this ailment, as the treatment facilities in the state were not adequate.  

Badal expressing his serious concern over the plight of poor patients suffering from this fatal disease said that  the  Medical Associations   and Institutions should launch comprehensive awareness drive to educate the people regarding the preventive measures. He said that the use of Tobaco, Gutka  and other intoxicants was the major cause of the spread of cancer among the users and we must create effective awareness against these intoxicants.

Referring to the efforts of the Govt. to improve the general Health facilities in State, the Chief Minister informed that the government has planned a comprehensive program to  provide quality Health Services to the people  in the State in general and ruralsector in particular by strengthening the health  services infrastructure. Admitting the fact of State is  lacking  behind  in Health services,  Badal categorically said that no sincere  efforts had been made by the previous  government to strengthen health facilities sector. However fulfilling its duties towards the ailing humanity, his  government had taken up a prestigious program to link its district hospitals with the Government Medical College Hospitals through Tele- Medicines. He said that this facilities would also be extended to get expert opinions of the  expert Doctors  of Institutes like PGI and AIMS.
        
 While welcoming  Satish Jain Organizing Secretary of Conference informed that MD Oswal Cancer Hospital was providing latest treatment facilities at the cheaper rates in the north India and said that so far 50,000 patients had been treated so far and 3000  Cancer patients were being treated every year.

Among others who addressed the function included  Manjit Singh Kang Vice Chancellor PAU,  C. Pilae Bilao President of Association, Sada Siwam Gen. Secy, . Sanjay Sharma President Elect IASO,  Sanjiv Mishra. And  Veena Jain Chief Coordinator of Conference.