India needs more oncologists, says former Health Secretary

Need to step up the number of oncologists from the current level of 1,250 radiographers and other allied specialties and up-skill physicians and nurses working in district hospitals and PHCs, said Former Union Secretary for Health K Sujatha Rao

Hyderabad: Former Union Secretary for Health, Medical and Family Welfare K Sujatha Rao on Sunday said the biggest impediment to ensure breast cancer services accessible to all, is shortage of human resources.

Delivering the 3rd Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation (UBF) oration on Sunday, she said the country needs to step up the number of oncologists from the current level of 1,250 radiographers and other allied specialties and up-skill physicians and nurses working in district hospitals and primary health care centres.

A comprehensive action plan for behaviour change towards lifestyle modifications and effective service delivery is also the need of the hour, Sujatha Rao said.

Founder Chairman of UBF, Dr Ushalakshmi urged men to gift their loved ones who are above 40 years, a Screening Mammogram. “Instead of buying a saree or something else during the ongoing festival season, this simple gesture would go a long way in saving many lives. Early detection of breast cancer saves lives,” Dr Ushalakshmi said.

Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, who was the chief guest in the oration, congratulated Dr Raghu Ram and his wife Dr Vyjayanthi for giving up a lucrative career in the UK and for coming back to India and dedicating themselves to spread awareness and fight breast cancer.

Director of UBF Dr Raghu Ram, Principal Secretary, IT Jayesh Ranjan and several other oncologists were present in the virtual oration.

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