IMPHAL September 22: Governor Gurbachan Jagat during the inaugural function of the National Rose Day observation held at the mini auditorium of RIMS, Lamphelpat today stated that a special fund has been initiated by the government for the benefit of the economically challenged cancer patients in the state.
Gurbachan Jagat, who was speaking as the chief guest of the function said that the Manipur State Illness Assistance Funds has been set up this year to provide financial assistance to the poor cancer patients living below the poverty line, for treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences and Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.
He said that the financial assistance to such patients would be released in the form of a one time grant through the medical superintendents of the hospitals concerned where the treatment is being provided.
Addressing the gathering, Jagat maintained that the main objective of the observation that was started in 2006 in the state on this day is to create awareness among the people on the possibilities of fighting back the disease and lead a normal live.
Further in his speech, the Governor lauded the organizer, the Manipur Cancer Society for it’s series of initiatives taken up for the cancer patients in the state, he said that such initiatives are a great source of encouragement and reassurance for the cancer patients.
Later, appealing to the public especially the youth, he stated that the disease is closely connected with life style and that they should try their best to abstain from undesirable life style.
The function was also attended by L. Jayantakumar minister Health and Family welfare as the president.
Dr. Mohen, principal secretary Population Based Cancer Registry, Dr. S. Shekharjit, Director RIMS and other dignitaries also attended the function.
Meanwhile, other speakers at the function called upon all to abstain from the use of tobacco and other related products in order to bring a cancer free society. Addressing specially to the youths they highlighted that one of the primary concern in the state is too much indulgence in tobacco and its related products that are the main causes of cancer in the state.
During the observation, the Cancer survivor awards were also handed over to four survivors.
As part of the National Rose day observation, the Governor also paid a visit at the Radiotherapy Deptt. RIMS and had a brief interaction with the cancer patients lodged in the department. Flowers and gifts were also presented to the patients during his visit at the deptt.
In the meantime, prior to today’s observation a mass rally of cancer awareness in the centre of the Imphal was also held in the morning that was participated by a contingent of more than 400 NCC both male and female cadets . The rally started from Imphal HQ NCC located at DM College campus at Thangmeiband and was flagged off by col. JJ. Verghese, Group Commander Imphal Group Hd. Qr. NCC and proceeded along the Nagamapal road. The rally concluded at the Mini auditorium, RIMS.
The National Cancer Rose Day was also observed by the department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion (Blood Bank), Regional Institute of Medical Sciences. In connection with the observation the deptt had provided 27 units of blood free of cost to 16 patients of RIMS Hospital who needed blood transfusion as against 19 units of blood supplied during the same observation held last year.