State Cancer Institutes in J&K Expand to Meet Growing Demand

The State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) in Jammu and Kashmir are becoming critical centers for cancer diagnosis and treatment, addressing a significant number of new cancer cases in the region. In the last two years, approximately 16,000 new cancer cases have been diagnosed at these two facilities, according to information released by the government on February 13, 2024. Despite their vital role, both institutes face challenges due to incomplete staffing and infrastructure.

The issues surrounding the SCIs were brought to light by legislator Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, who questioned why the institutes were established without adequate medical, paramedical, and technical personnel. Pardesi highlighted that these shortfalls lead to inconveniences for patients and could compromise the quality of cancer care.

Operational Developments and Infrastructure

Since its phased operational launch in February 2023, SCI Jammu has been working to meet the needs of cancer patients. The Jammu and Kashmir government sanctioned staff creation for this tertiary care facility back in 2021. Meanwhile, SCI Kashmir, located at SKIMS Soura, received a sanctioned grant of Rs 120 crore under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). This facility was commissioned on December 5, 2020, and is still undergoing development.

Approximately 80 percent of SCI Kashmir is currently operational through personnel deployed from the main SKIMS Soura hospital. A proposal for dedicated staff, including doctors and nursing professionals, is under consideration to enhance the services offered at SCI Kashmir, mirroring the staffing model of SCI Jammu.

The Health and Medical Education Department reported a 7.49 percent rise in cancer cases, attributing this increase primarily to improved diagnostics rather than a true rise in incidence. The government emphasized the need for epidemiological research to determine the underlying causes of this increase.

Patient Care and Service Expansion

From 2023 to 2025, SCI Kashmir has diagnosed 11,178 cancer patients, while SCI Jammu recorded 4,775 cases in the same period. Additionally, the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar also contributes to cancer treatment, registering 6,016 patients from 2022 to 2025.

To manage the increasing patient load and reduce waiting times, the government is actively expanding cancer services. Evidence of this expansion includes a significant increase in PET scans at SKIMS, which rose from 1,410 in 2024 to 2,250 in 2025. GMC Srinagar is also enhancing its comprehensive cancer treatment offerings, which now include various therapies, surgeries, and essential diagnostic tests such as MRI, CT, and ultrasound.

The government has recently approved the acquisition of a new PET scan machine for GMC Srinagar at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore through the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL). This initiative aims to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients and ensure timely access to necessary medical care.

In summary, the State Cancer Institutes in Jammu and Kashmir are evolving into essential healthcare facilities amid rising cancer diagnoses. While challenges remain, ongoing efforts are being made to enhance infrastructure and staffing, ensuring that patients receive the quality care they need.