President Droupadi Murmu Advocates for Women's Health Awareness and Improved Cancer Care
04 JAN 2025
President Droupadi Murmu called for prioritizing women’s health and emphasized awareness, timely care, and equitable healthcare access for all.
KLE Society chairman Prabhakar Kore presenting a statue of Kittur Rani Channamma to President Droupadi Murmu in Belagavi on Friday. (Photo Credit: P.K. Badiger)
President Droupadi Murmu delivered a poignant appeal on Friday, emphasizing the critical need for women to discuss their health issues openly and urging society to prioritize women’s health. Speaking at the inauguration of the KLE Dr. Sampatkumar S. Shivanagi Cancer Hospital in Belagavi, she addressed the alarming rise in cancer rates globally and in India, while highlighting the strides made in treatment accessibility through various healthcare initiatives.
In her address, President Murmu shed light on the traditional mindsets that often hinder timely diagnosis and treatment for women. “In some families, the health of boys is given more importance than that of girls. This unequal treatment persists later in life, affecting women’s access to timely healthcare. Many women themselves do not prioritize their health, which can lead to delays in diagnosing serious illnesses like cancer,” she stated. She urged families to encourage women to share their health concerns and called for societal support in ensuring timely and appropriate treatment for them.
The President also highlighted the psychological toll of cancer, urging doctors to go beyond physical treatment and offer compassionate care. “When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it has a devastating effect on patients and their families. Along with treatment, patients need a ray of hope, a gentle touch, and empathy,” she said. She appealed to healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychological needs of patients. “Every word of sympathy and compassion has the power to rekindle in a patient the desire to live,” she added.
Murmu stressed the importance of spreading awareness about cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. “We come across cases where either ignorance or financial constraints delay the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In the case of cancer, such delays can prove fatal,” she cautioned. She called for a collective effort to create a patient-centric and equitable healthcare system of world-class quality.
Rising Cancer Incidence in India
Citing a global study, the President underscored cancer as a leading cause of death worldwide. She highlighted that in 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths globally. In India, she noted, the cancer incidence is about 100 patients per one lakh people, with projections from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimating a 13% rise in cancer cases by 2025 compared to 2020.
Impact of Government Initiatives
President Murmu lauded government schemes like the Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana for their role in improving cancer care, particularly for low-income groups. “There has been a significant improvement in timely initiation of cancer treatment because of Ayushman Bharat. The duration between diagnosis and the beginning of treatment has reduced significantly. This has greatly benefited the marginalized,” she said. She added that the scheme’s recent expansion to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above would further enhance healthcare access for diseases like cancer.
President Murmu concluded her address by reiterating the need for proactive efforts to prioritize women’s health and create a supportive environment for cancer patients. She urged society to work together to combat diseases like cancer and emphasized the role of families, healthcare providers, and policymakers in building a healthier and more equitable future.
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