Jammu Kashmir Govt Denies Irregularities in Cancer Care, Says Treatment Follows Prescribed Norms | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has clarified that cancer treatment facilities across the Union Territory are functioning in full adherence to prescribed medical guidelines, rejecting allegations of irregularities in chemotherapy practices.

Replying to a query in the Assembly, the government stated that Oncology Departments and Cancer Institutes are operating day care centres specifically for chemotherapy of solid tumours, in line with protocols set by the Tata Memorial Centre.

Officials asserted that there has been no violation of norms, emphasizing that all standard treatment procedures are being strictly followed. Chemotherapy services, they added, are being delivered under approved guidelines of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Addressing concerns over availability of anti-cancer drugs, the government dismissed claims that certain advanced medicines—including Ramucirumab, Perjeta, Phesgo, and other immunotherapy drugs—are available at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences but not at the State Cancer Institute Jammu.

“It is not a fact,” the government said, noting that drug procurement is standardized and centrally managed through the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited.

Only medicines covered under the Health Benefit Packages of the AB-PMJAY/SEHAT scheme are procured and supplied, ensuring uniform availability across institutions, the government said.

The clarification comes amid concerns over treatment standards and drug access, with authorities reiterating that cancer care across the Union Territory remains consistent and in compliance with established medical norms.