The mobile cancer detection unit jointly operated by Meghalaya government and MKC Roko Cancer Trust, a UK-based charity operating in India.
“This new venture will benefit the rural masses,” Parliamentary Secretary incharge Health and Family Welfare Pynshngain Syiem said, while launching the mobile unit.
He said the mobile cancer detection unit stationing at Shillong and Tura, would traverse across the state for early detection of three types of cancer – breast, cervical and oral.
The State government and MKC Roko Cancer Trust entered into agreement under Public Private Partnership (PPP) for operation of the mobile cancer detection units in the State.
“There is now growing recognition of the need for eraly diagnosis through screening through social mobilisation intiative with community as critical stakeholders to contain cancer,” Chairman of MKC Roko Trust APS Chawla said.
The MKC Roko Cancer Trust had covered eight Indian states so far that include Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa.
With Cancer prevalence is high on the State, the State government is also working out the details to provide free medical treatment for cancer patients under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scheme.
In 2008, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) had earmarked Rs 25 crore for setting up of a cancer wing at Shillong Civil Hospital after signing of Memorandum of Understanding with the State government.