Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal, today inaugurated the 'Savera' program initiated by the Medanta Foundation in collaboration with the Health Department in Gurugram, aimed at early detection and prevention of breast cancer, a growing concern among women. He emphasized that this groundbreaking initiative marks the first of its kind in the country, focusing on detecting breast cancer in its early stages among women. Furthermore, he expressed his intention to expand this program to other districts of the state following its successful implementation.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister remarked that a distinctive program, Savera, has been initiated by the Medanta Foundation in partnership with the Health Department. In its initial phase, the program will be launched at the Civil Hospital in Sector-10 of Gurugram, the Polyclinic in Sector-31, and the Primary Health Center in Wazirabad. An agreement for the expansion of this program will soon be formalized between the Health Department and Medanta Foundation.
Under 'Savera' programme, help of blind women/sisters will be taken for screening of breast cancer - Chief Minister
Manohar Lal said that cancer often goes undiagnosed until its later stages, ranging from stage-2 to stage-4, impacting various parts of the body. Similarly, breast cancer is also one of those cancers which mostly occur in women living in cities. He said that about 90 thousand women across the country lose their lives every year due to breast cancer. However, he commended the 'Savera' program for its innovative approach, leveraging the assistance of visually impaired women for breast cancer screening, a commendable initiative indeed.
Disabled sisters have amazing qualities, these sisters will test breast cancer with the help of their highly developed tactile senses - Chief Minister
The Chief Minister said that undoubtedly the help of blind/disabled sisters is being taken in 'Savera' program, who have some deficiencies, but along with this, these individuals possess remarkable qualities, particularly their heightened sense of touch. They will utilize this ability to effectively screen for breast cancer. Illustrating this point, he referenced Surdas, a renowned poet born in the village of Sihi, Faridabad, who despite his blindness, became a prolific philosopher and poet, demonstrating that disability should never hinder one's potential or contributions to society.
Visually impaired people have natural tactile sensitivity - Chief Minister
Manohar Lal said that visually impaired people have natural tactile sensitivity. The importance of this ability has been understood, tested and used by people associated with the medical world. As they were told that visually impaired sisters can detect breast cancer up to half a centimeter, whereas even a normal doctor can detect it up to one centimeter after examination. These sisters have very high sensitivity to touch.
Government has also established institutes for cancer treatment - Chief Minister
While sharing the government's initiatives for cancer prevention, the Chief Minister highlighted significant developments. He mentioned the establishment of the National Cancer Institute - AIIMS in Jhajjar district, equipped with 1000 beds. Additionally, he informed about the Atal Cancer Care Center established in Ambala district, dedicated to the treatment of cancer patients. Moreover, he said that cancer treatment and research are also being conducted at PGIMS, Rohtak.
Haryana government is always ready for cancer prevention - Chief Minister
Regarding the origins of cancer, he pointed out that often it stems from factors such as inadequate nutrition and the use of chemical-laden water, and fertilizers in agriculture. He mentioned the naming of a train between Bhatinda and Bikaner as the "Cancer Train," emphasizing the need to maintain healthy eating habits, utilizing clean water, and embracing natural farming practices. The current state government, he assured, is diligently working to promote natural farming and ensure access to clean water. He invited cancer experts to collaborate with the Haryana government, expressing openness to their suggestions and cooperation in the ongoing efforts to prevent cancer.
Chief Minister has been actively involved in advancing women's empowerment efforts - Pankaj Sahni
Earlier, Medanta's Group CEO and Director, Pankaj Sahni, acknowledged Chief Minister Manohar Lal's dedication to advancing women's empowerment, affirming their commitment to aligning with his vision. He emphasized the critical need for timely detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer, noting that a significant number of cases are detected in advanced stages. Sahni emphasized Medanta's responsibility to empower patients to prioritize their health, highlighting the continuous adoption of innovative methods. The Savera campaign, he stated, is a significant step in this direction.
He informed that after the introduction of 'Tactile Breast Examination' (TBE) system in India six years ago, visually impaired women were given training on breast diseases and their examination at NAB India Center for Blind Women and Disability Studies. After which they were provided clinical internship for three months under the guidance of Dr. Kanchan Kaur at the Breast Clinic of Medanta Gurugram.
Additional Director General of Police Alok Mittal, Gurugram Police Commissioner Vikas Arora, Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav, Civil Surgeon of Gurugram, Dr. Virendra Yadav along with senior officers and officials of the district administration and Medanta Institute as well as stalwarts from the medical world were also present on this occasion.