Bhaktapur, January 8

President Bidya Devi Bhandari today stressed on ensuring cancer treatment services to all.

At a function held to inaugurate Nepal Cancer Relief Society’s 25th Central Assembly in Bhaktapur, President Bhandari said it was necessary to ensure treatment to all the poor and needy cancer patients.

“Cancer is a serious disease. Normally the poor and needy patients cannot afford its treatment as it is highly expensive,” the President said, adding, “The government should set up a separate fund to provide the poor and needy patients access to cancer treatment.”

The President also called for combined efforts of the government, private sector, political stakeholders and others to contribute towards the cause, saying the government would need the support of all to help the poor and needy cancer patients.

On the occasion, President Bhandari also launched toll-free number 5202666 set up by the cancer relief society to provide cancer related information to the people.

On the occasion, Minister of State for Health Mohammad Mustaf Alam and Assistant Minister for Land Reform Dinesh Shrestha pledged to take steps to increase government grant to poor and needy cancer patients.

Lawmaker Rameshwor Dhungel and Health Secretary Shanta Bahadur Shrestha called for establishing a health fund to support cancer patients.