Concern in Rajya Sabha over rising number of cancer cases

NEW DELHI: Concern was voiced in Rajya Sabha over rising number of cancer cases in the country with a Trianmool Congress member demanding setting up of diagnostic centres in the oncology department of every hospital and medical college.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, K D Singh said a large number of cancer patients have been reported from a village in Greater Noida and it has been noticed in some villages of Punjab as well.

He said the rise in cancer cases at some places is due to contamination of water with metallic and chemical wastes.

"In such areas water should be supplied after treatment. Water treatment plants should be set up. Cancer diagnostic centres should be set up in all hospitals. Medical colleges should have departments for oncology," Singh said.

On rise in cases of cervical cancer and mouth cancer due to the use of tobacco products, Singh urged the government to take up the issue very seriously.

In another Zero Hour mention, Vishwambhar Prasad Mishra (BJP) raised the issue of fertiliser shortage in Uttar Pradesh and urged the Centre to give the state the amount of fertiliser it demanded from the government.

Mansukhlal Mandavia from the same party raised the issue of road accidents and expressed concern over the killing of larger number of youths in such tragedies. He noted that two lakh accidents happen in one year.

He also raised the issue or organ donation. Tarun Vijay (BJP) demanded that the birthday of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar should be celebrated in all schools even in north India and language should work as a bridge and not barrier as it reflects history and legacy.

Members from both DMK and AIADMK as well as some other parties thumped their desks when Vijay raised the issue.