Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 15: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday stressed the need to prioritise prevention and early diagnosis alongside treatment to effectively tackle cancer, which he described as one of the biggest challenges facing the healthcare system.

Addressing the inaugural session of the global conference ‘Oncology Beyond Borders’, organised by the National Cancer Institute, Fadnavis said there has been a significant rise in cancer cases over the past decade.

He noted that while India has made considerable progress in healthcare, cancer remains a major concern both nationally and globally.

“No disease recognises boundaries or socio-economic status. In such circumstances, it is our responsibility to come together, exchange ideas and find solutions beyond borders,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that conferences such as ‘Oncology Beyond Borders’ provide an important platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and innovation in cancer care.

Highlighting the role of the National Cancer Institute, he said institutions of its kind are playing a vital role in providing advanced treatment to patients from India and abroad.

Fadnavis also referred to the establishment of the Maha Cancer Foundation in Maharashtra to create a statewide cancer care grid based on a hub-and-spoke model, ensuring access to quality treatment across regions.

Emphasising research and innovation, he called for greater use of medical technology, biotechnology and artificial intelligence to improve cancer detection and treatment outcomes. Early diagnosis and technological advancements, he said, are key to improving survival rates and reducing the overall cancer burden.

On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding on cancer treatment cooperation was signed between the National Cancer Institute and the Ministry of Health of Guyana. A special issue of the scientific journal ‘The Wings’ was also released.