NHM inks MOU with IMA women wing to curb cervical cancer in state

Ranchi: The National Health Mission (NHM) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the women doctors' wing (WDW) of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to boost its campaign against cervical cancer.

WDW-IMA chairperson Dr Bharti Kashyap said, "The partnership marks a significant advancement in women's healthcare, particularly for the residents of remote and Maoist-hit areas like West Singhbhum and Santhal Pargana. The Jharkhand model of cervical cancer screening, launched in 2021 with the support of the state health department, has screened over five lakh women against the target of 2.7 lakh. Also, 2,792 women with symptoms of cervical erosion have received cryo treatment. Around 67,000 Indian women succumb to cervical cancer annually, though the disease is preventable and treatable if detected early."

Terming the agreement as historic, health minister Irfan Ansari said, "The MoU will serve as a blueprint for other states and advance our mission to eliminate cervical cancer."