SC Asks 19 States, UTs to Declare Cancer a ‘Notifiable Disease’

Representational PhotoNew Delhi- The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the 19 remaining states and Union territories to declare cancer a “notifiable disease” to ensure early detection and proper care of patients. The top court’s direction came after it was informed that 17 of the 36 states and UTs have so far notified cancer as a “notified disease” in light of the recommendations made in a parliamentary standing committee report. ADVERTISEMENTAdditional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, appearing in the court for the Centre, said health is a state subject. “Moreover, 17 states have notified the disease,” the law officer said. In his plea, Srivastava has highlighted the failure on the part of the Union health ministry and the states to declare cancer a notifiable disease across India.