Speech by Her Excellency the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, on the Occasion of Inauguration of Action Cancer Hospital

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to inaugurate the Action Cancer Hospital set up by the Manav Sevarth Trust, which has been working since many years for the welfare of humanity.

The truth is that human welfare is the highest form of service. It has been said in Ramcharit Manas that, which means there is no duty more important than working for the welfare of others. Everybody works for themselves and for members of their family. However, they should also think about what they can do for society and the nation. We should take a lesson of selflessness from nature. Rivers give water, trees give us fruits and shade, and air gives us life. Every particle of nature works without any selfish motive for the welfare of others. Taking inspiration from nature, we should always be ready to undertake social work and to contribute to it.

All of us use national resources. Therefore, we also have certain responsibilities towards the nation and society. It is also necessary for the Corporate World to adopt the philosophy of social responsibility. Their aim should be to run their enterprises efficiently, but along with this they should contribute constructively to the progress of society, and to the welfare of the deprived and disadvantaged sections. In this context, the setting up of the Manav Sevarth Trust that is undertaking social welfare programmes in and around Delhi, by the Action Group of Companies, is a welcome step.

Good health is very important for performing any activity. It is in a healthy body that creative ideas germinate, which are so essential for national progress. When there is prosperity in the nation, its people will be happy. It is said that for a person who wants to live a full life, good health is the key. Indeed, health for all is a major challenge before the nation. To meet this objective, the Government has taken a number of steps. It has established medical, nursing and paramedical facilities in areas with inadequate access to medical services. It has increased seats for specialty and super-specialty disciplines. However, many tasks remain to be completed. For that we will have to work collectively.

To stay healthy, it is necessary to adopt a healthy life style. High incidence of heart diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure among others is linked to increasing pollution and changing life patterns. Regular exercise and balanced diet are important in preventing such diseases and, we must always remember, that prevention is better than cure.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, at any point of time there are in India more than 25 lakh people suffering from Cancer. Every year there is an increase of about 10 lakh patients to this number. In Delhi also, there are numerous cases, and patients from far flung areas also come here for treatment. Therefore, it is important that good medical facilities are available here. I believe that government efforts to make available proper medical facilities to patients should be supported with contributions from the private sector. The Manav Sevarth Trust by establishing the Action Cancer Hospital in West Delhi has taken an important step in this regard. I am also happy to learn that this hospital will be functioning on no profit-no loss basis, where cancer patients from all sections of society will receive treatment.

Today, there are many advanced techniques for the detection and treatment of cancer, such as radiation therapy, medical oncology and surgical oncology. Research efforts are ongoing in this field both in India and abroad. New machines are being developed. It is important that hospitals are properly equipped, so that the best medical treatment can be provided to patients.

There is no doubt that cancer is a dreaded disease and its treatment is a long drawn out process. It also involves considerable expenditure. For a poor person, it is difficult to meet this expenditure. Therefore, when any member of a family is diagnosed with cancer, there is great concern and worry in the family on how to meet the expenses. To avoid such situations, it is important to create awareness among the people about cancer and its timely detection.

The reason I am saying so, is that it is often seen that by the time a person is diagnosed for cancer, the disease has already spread considerably. As a result its treatment becomes much more difficult. According to a report of the World Health Organization, 79 lakh people died due to cancer in 2007. The report further adds that around 30 percent of these cancer deaths could have been avoided had they been detected in time. Therefore, it is important that we should create widespread awareness. I believe that the institutions like the Manav Sevarth Trust can play a very important role in this sphere.

Cancer patients require proper care. To lessen their unbearable pain, palliative centres should be established. Along with it, training programmes should be conducted for doctors and nurses. Their skills should be developed in such a way, that proper attention can be given to cancer patients, as they require considerable support and care. I hope the doctors, paramedical personnel and management of this hospital will fulfill their responsibilities with full commitment and dedication.

Doctors occupy a special place in the society, as they provide critical health services to patients. As they give new life and hope, patients consider doctors to be like God. I urge all those associated with the medical profession, to work with commitment for the well-being of patients.

Today is the 4th Death Anniversary of Smt. Ginni Devi who was a guiding force for the Trust, which has set up this Cancer Hospital. I hope that the Hospital will live up to her humane principles and compassionate and moral values and work for the welfare of all sections of society, particularly the economically weaker sections.

With these words I once again congratulate the Manav Sevarth Trust and wish them all success.

Thank You. 
JAI HIND.