Pune: Addressing the rising number of cancer cases in Maharashtra due to changing environmental conditions and unhealthy lifestyles, the Patient Rights Council has initiated the "Cancer-Free Maharashtra Campaign." This program aims to provide free and subsidized cancer treatments, offering significant relief to patients and their families.

The announcement was made by Umesh Chavan, the campaign head and founder president of the Patient Rights Council, during a press conference held in Pune.

The press conference was attended by several key figures, including Dr. Smita Bhoyar, CEO of Universal Hospital; Dr. Amol Deolekar, Director of Hope Hospital and Cancer Center; Milind Gaikwad, former Assistant Police Commissioner and Central Advisor of the Council; Aparna Marne Sathe, Pune city president of the council; and Amol Hulawale.

Highlighting the alarming increase in cancer cases, Umesh Chavan said, "Breast and cervical cancer among women are on the rise, along with cancers of the mouth, tongue, blood, brain, ovaries, and skin.

Many patients in Pune are undergoing treatment, but the high costs are pushing families into financial distress. People are being forced to sell their assets like vehicles, jewelry, and even homes to afford treatment. Recognizing this critical issue, we have launched the Cancer-Free Maharashtra Campaign to provide relief."

He elaborated that treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgeries, radiation, and essential medications, which often cost lakhs of rupees, will now be made free of charge under government schemes.

The Universal Hospital near Shaniwarwada and Hope Hospital and Cancer Center in Nana Peth, Pune, will offer these free treatment facilities. Patients and their families seeking assistance can contact the helpline number 9850002207 for more details, Chavan added.