Jammu: Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that cancer institutes and oncology departments in Jammu and Kashmir are functioning strictly in accordance with guidelines issued by the Tata Memorial Centre.
Replying to a question raised by legislator Ranbir Singh Pathania, the Minister said these centres operate as day-care facilities exclusively for the administration of chemotherapy to patients with solid tumours.
She said all standard treatment protocols are being followed and there has been no violation of the mandatory guidelines laid down by Tata Memorial Centre. Chemotherapy services, she added, are being provided under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme as per approved norms.
The Minister informed the House that drugs covered under the cancer care package of Ayushman Bharat PMJAY/SEHAT are being procured through the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited.
She said all chemotherapy and supportive medicines are procured through JKMSCL in accordance with prescribed financial rules and procurement procedures.
In case of shortage or non-availability of medicines, local purchases are made only to meet emergency clinical requirements and only after obtaining necessary approvals and technical justification, she added.
Sakeena Itoo further informed that any requests received during the past two years for relaxation or modification in standard treatment guidelines have been examined strictly as per procedure and in consultation with competent technical authorities.
Responding to supplementary questions, the Minister reiterated that all procurements are being carried out strictly in accordance with established protocols and rules of the Health Department.
