National Rose day celebrated; Cancer can strike anyone: Governor
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 22 2011: The National Rose Day, 2011 was celebrated here in Imphal with the Governor giving away gifts and presents to cancer patients at RIMS.

The formal function organized by Manipur Cancer Society was held at Mini Auditorium, RIMS today.

As a part of the observation, the Governor gave away roses along with other gifts to the cancer patients in Radio Therapy Department, RIMS.

Health Minister, L Jayentakumar, Director RIMS Dr S Sekharjit, ex Medical Superintendent, Prof Mohen, Secretary of Manipur Cancer Society, Birendra Kangjam.

NCC cadets, on the occasion took out a rally from NCC Head Quarters, DM College campus to RIMS.

The rally was flagged off by Group Commander, Group Headquarter, Colonel Verghese.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat said that cancer is one of the diseases which can strike anyone, irrespective of age, sex, profession or economic status.

At any given time, there are as many as forty lakh cancer patients in India and annually 10 lakh new cases are added to this existing data.

About 80% of cancer patients, at some of stage of treatment or the other find themselves struggling to cope with the financial implications for the treatment.

Hence, the management of finances is a vital issue which needs to be tackled like the treatment of the disease itself.

The Governor was quite pleased with the setting up of the Manipur State Illness Assistance Funds to provide financial assistance to the poor cancer patients who are living under poverty line for treatment at JNIMS and RIMS.

He said that the financial assistance to such patients would be released in the form of a "one time grant" through the MS of the concerned Hospitals where the treatment is being given.

He further said that the National Rose Day was first celebrated in Manipur on September 22, 2006 with the main objective of creating awareness among the people about the fact that people can survive cancer and the diagnosis of the dreadful disease does not necessarily mean death.

The "face to face" programmes of the Manipur Cancer Society, gives an opportunity to the patients to meet the survivors and exchange experiences and feelings during the most difficult part of their struggle for survival.

It is a great source of encouragement and reassurance for the cancer patients, he said.

He further appealed to the general public, particularly the youngsters; to try their best to stay away from undesirable life style since the disease of cancer is closely connected with lifestyle.

As part of the observation, 27 units of bloods were donated by the Department of Immuno Hematology and Blood Transfusion, RIMS to the cancer patients.

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