Lack of specialist doctors – oncologists and oncopathologists – with the State Health and Family Welfare Department seems to be ailing the centrally funded cancer detection programme in the state. The Union government had released funds under the the National Programme for Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension and Stroke (NPCDHS) to the state to begin the cancer-screening and detection programme in August 2011 in five districts. But it is nearly a year now, and the project is yet to take off.
Dr Venkatesh R.T., State Programme Officer, NCD, told Deccan Chronicle: “The programme was to take off in Kolar, Udupi, Shimoga, Chikamagalur and Tumkur. The green signal was also given to fill up five medical oncologists and oncopathologists posts on contract basis. But we have not received any applications for these posts, though we have called for applications thrice since 2011.”
However, other programmes, like screening for diabetes and hypertension, are going on in the five districts. He said: “As an alternative, we are now tying to tie up with other hospitals to source the specialist doctors. We have forwarded a proposal and memorandum of understanding to the city-based Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology for providing oncologists and oncopathologists.”
Along with super-specialists, two physicians each in the five districts have also been sanctioned for the programme. “ But getting physicians is not a problem,” he added. Poor pay package, poor infrastructure and lack of technology in government hospitals has been a major reason for the doctors keeping away from government hospitals. A leading senior oncologist working for HCG Hospital said “From the very beginning the poor pay scale of the government health sector has been a major deterring factor. Secondly, the private hospitals provide newer and better technology for practising, where we get an opportunity to explore our avenues.”