Meghalaya Government Launches 'Meg Can Care' Project for Screening and Early Detection of Cancer
Meghalaya Cancer Care Project
The Meghalaya government, in collaboration with the Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation and the World Economic Forum, has launched the Meghalaya Cancer Care project, also known as ‘Meg Can Care.’ The project aims to facilitate the screening and early detection of cancer in the state of Meghalaya, India. The launch event took place at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong on World No Tobacco Day, with Honorable Chief Minister Conrad K’ongkal Sangma and Health Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh in attendance.
Meghalaya, particularly the East Khasi Hills district, has been grappling with a high incidence of cancer cases. The region is ranked second in the country for overall cancer cases, and when it comes to esophagus cancer, it stands at number one. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address cancer prevention, detection, and treatment in the state.
The Meg Can Care project aims to screen one million people free of charge, making it an ambitious initiative to reach a significant portion of the population. The project’s primary goal is to ensure the early identification of suspected cancer cases through comprehensive screening programs. It emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and follow-up testing to enable early intervention and improve patient outcomes.
The collaboration between the Meghalaya government, the Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation, and the World Economic Forum are crucial in leveraging expertise and resources to implement effective cancer screening programs. The project’s focus on telemedicine highlights the importance of technology in extending healthcare services to remote areas and facilitating access to specialized consultations for cancer patients.