Wed Mar 12 05:37:16 UTC 2025: ## River Pollution Linked to Increased Cancer Risk in India, Government Expands Cancer Care Initiatives

**NEW DELHI, March 12, 2025** – A new study reveals a strong correlation between residence near polluted river drains and increased cancer risk in India. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found elevated levels of lead, iron, and aluminum – exceeding permissible limits – in these areas, significantly increasing the hazard quotient above acceptable thresholds. This finding, published in the Indian Academy of Sciences in 2024, was revealed in a Rajya Sabha written reply by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav on Tuesday.

In response to the concerning data, the government highlighted its ongoing efforts to expand access to affordable cancer care. The Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme has already approved 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres, including the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar and a second campus for the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata. All 22 new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will also offer comprehensive cancer treatment, with subsidized or free care for the poor.

Furthermore, cancer treatment is covered under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY), providing up to ₹5 lakh annually for 12.37 crore families (approximately 55 crore people) from the bottom 40% of the population. Recent expansion of PM-JAY now includes all senior citizens aged 70 and above. The scheme encompasses over 200 packages covering various oncology treatments.

The government also cited the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), with over 15,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) providing affordable generic medicines, including 87 specifically for cancer treatment. The Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) initiative further complements these efforts, offering discounts of up to 50% on over 6,500 drugs at 222 pharmacies across the country. These initiatives aim to make essential cancer treatment more accessible and affordable for all Indians.

Read More