The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the remaining 19 states and Union Territories to consider declaring cancer a ‘notified disease’ to facilitate early detection and ensure timely and appropriate treatment for patients.
The court was informed that 17 of the 36 states and Union Territories in the country have already declared cancer a notified disease. The decisions were taken following recommendations made by a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan was hearing a public interest litigation filed by eminent doctor Anurag Srivastava, seeking directions to declare cancer a notified disease across the country.
The Supreme Court had issued notices to the Centre, all states and Union Territories on December 12 last year in response to the petition.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the bench stressed the need for a uniform approach to cancer detection and treatment across the country. It questioned why the Centre had not issued mandatory guidelines applicable to all states and Union Territories.
Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, appearing for the Centre, said health is a subject under the jurisdiction of the states. He also informed the court that 17 states and Union Territories had already notified cancer as a disease, following the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
The Chief Justice directed the remaining 19 states and Union Territories to examine the recommendations and take an appropriate decision. They were also asked to file affidavits detailing the steps taken in this regard.
In his petition, Anurag Srivastava argued that the Union Health Ministry and state governments had failed to declare cancer a notified disease nationwide. He submitted that such a notification would help in systematic reporting and early detection of cancer, while also improving timely access to appropriate medical treatment.
