UP May Declare Cancer a Notifiable Disease: Yogi Government's Bold Step for Early Detection
The UP government considers making cancer notifiable to improve early detection and childhood treatment access.
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is considering declaring Cancer a notifiable disease, a move aimed at improving early detection and expanding access to timely treatment, especially for children. A notifiable disease is one that must be reported by hospitals, laboratories, and healthcare providers to government authorities. Officials say that making cancer notifiable would allow the state to systematically track cases, monitor trends, and intervene more effectively to protect public health.
According to senior health officials, the proposal focuses strongly on childhood cancer, where early diagnosis can significantly improve survival rates. Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Health, highlighted the government’s broader vision of building an integrated system where institutions and stakeholders work together to ensure that every child with cancer is identified and treated.
Experts believe the move could be transformative, particularly in a state that accounts for nearly 20 percent of India’s childhood cancer cases. Currently, only about half of these patients are able to access proper treatment, making early reporting and intervention crucial.
Poonam Bagai, founder of Cankids and a member of the Indian Council of Medical Research ethics committee, said Uttar Pradesh has already made notable progress in improving financial protection for patients. Government-backed schemes now ensure continuity of care even if patients seek treatment outside the state.
The government is also planning to establish a dedicated task force for childhood cancer, which would coordinate policy implementation, review progress, and integrate services across departments. In addition, a State Tumour and Teleconsultation Board is proposed to support clinical decision-making and train healthcare professionals.
Since partnering with Cankids Kidscan, the state has improved access to care from 25 percent in 2019 to around 52 percent in 2026. Awareness campaigns have also been rolled out across all districts, alongside capacity-building initiatives for healthcare workers.
Officials say the initiative aligns with global efforts such as the World Health Organization’s childhood cancer programme and could position Uttar Pradesh as a model for large-scale cancer care systems, focusing on universal access, financial protection, and improved survival outcomes.
Also Read: #JustIN: Iran-Backed Militia Blamed as American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Kidnapped in Baghdad
