Kerala Health Minister Inaugurates ‘Arogyam Anandam’ Cancer Campaign at Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, Chengannur.
Hon’ble Health Minister of Kerala Smt. Veena George inaugurated the ‘Arogyam Anandam’ cancer awareness and screening campaign at Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, Chengannur. Speaking at the event, the Minister emphasized that Kerala, which stands at the forefront of healthcare, greatly benefits from such exemplary initiatives aimed at raising cancer awareness and promoting early detection.
Presiding over the event, Rev. Fr. Dr. Alexander Koodarathil, Managing Director of KMC Hospital, announced that large-scale public-private partnership model initiatives would be conducted with government support and in collaboration with Swasthi Foundation. 100+ cancer awareness and screening camps shall be done in association with various organizations across Alappuzha district.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sharmila Pimple, Head of Preventive Oncology at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, highlighted the alarming statistic that in India, less than 2% of cancer cases are diagnosed through screening. She stressed the urgent need to conduct more cancer screening camps to improve early detection and treatment outcomes.
The event had the expert talks by several distinguished guests, including Alappuzha District Collector Shri. Alex Varghese IAS, Dr. M. V. Pillai (Chairman, Advisory Board, Oncology Centre, KMC Hospital & Advisory Board Member, Swasthi Foundation), former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Shri. T. K. A. Nair IAS (Advisory Board Member, Swasthi Foundation), Dr. Jamuna Varghese (Alappuzha DMO), Dr. Miriam Varkey (Alappuzha Govt. Medical College Principal) , Dr. Anu Varghese (Alappuzha District ‘Arogyam Anandam’ Nodal Officer) , Shri. Abey George (General Secretary, Swasthi Foundation) , Dr. P. G. Balagopal (Director, Cochin Cancer Research Centre), Lt. Col. Sreekumar. V.R (ECHS Poly Clinic OIC, Mavelikkara), Dr. Sara Easaw (Medical Director, Oncology Centre, KMC Hospital), Dr. Geevarghese Mathew (Medical Superintendent, KMC Hospital).
The event witnesses the participation of Chengannur Media Centre President Shri. K. Shiburajan, Secretary Shri. Ajay R. Karnavar and members of Chengannur media centre, Police Employees Cooperative Society Alappuzha District President – Shri . Vivek. V, Kerala Police Association, Alappuzha District, Secretary – Shri. S. Santhosh, Focus Ambalappuzha, Chairman – Shri. C. Radhakrishnan, Sevabharathi Alappuzha Dist. Secretary – Shri. A. Aneesh & Alappuzha Media Coordinator – Shri. Gopan Gokulam, Aranmula Kanndai Karakaushala Thozhilali Sahakarana Sangham, Chief Promoter – Shri. P. Gopakumar, Alappuzha Ex-Service Men Association Secratary – Shri. Biju Edakkallil etc. Several prominent leaders from political and cultural fields also participated in the event, showing their support for the initiative.
