Rajasthan will establish a Cancer Cell at the directorate level to strengthen cancer screening and awareness across the state, Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Gayatri Rathore announced on Friday, 25 July during a high-level review meeting at Swasthya Bhawan, Jaipur. The decision came as part of a broader health system review covering maternal care, seasonal disease preparedness, and cancer control.

Cancer Screening Push

Rathore directed officials to ensure optimal deployment of the state's cancer screening vans and mandated that information about upcoming screening camps be publicised at least 10 days in advance. Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs) have been instructed to prepare a monthly calendar for organising cancer screening camps across their districts. The new Cancer Cell is expected to provide a centralised coordination mechanism for these efforts.

Maternal Healthcare Directives

Rathore reviewed the status of normal and Caesarean deliveries recorded in the previous 24 hours and directed close monitoring of pregnant women with severe anaemia. She emphasised the importance of timely blood transfusions, ACF injections, and iron sucrose therapy to reduce anaemia-related maternal risk.

She also directed that gynaecologists posted at all government delivery centres be mentored by specialists from their respective district medical colleges. One-hour video conferencing sessions are to be scheduled over the next five days to familiarise doctors with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and essential clinical protocols.

The appointment of 'Prasav Sakhis' (birth companions) and the establishment of dedicated Prasav Sakhi counters in all hospitals have been directed to be completed by the end of the week.

NASG Rollout for Emergency Ambulances

B.S. Jodha, Principal and Controller of SNMC Medical College, Jodhpur, presented findings on the Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG), a device used in managing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Rathore directed that NASG garments be procured for all 108 emergency ambulances through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with paramedical staff to be trained in their use.

Accountability Action and Inspection Findings

Additional Mission Director (NHM) T. Shubhamangala presented inspection findings from MCHN centres and district hospitals in Dausa and Sikar. Acting on the report, Rathore ordered a chargesheet against Subhash Biloniya, Principal Medical Officer of Dausa, for failing to follow prescribed SOPs in the labour room and operation theatre. Action was also directed against a member of the nursing staff.

Monsoon Disease Preparedness

With the monsoon season underway, Rathore instructed health officials to begin immediate preparations for the prevention and control of seasonal diseases and maintain heightened vigilance across the state. The meeting was attended by NHM Mission Director Jogaram, Medical Education Commissioner Babulal Goyal, RMSCL Managing Director Pukhraj Sain, Public Health Director Ravi Prakash Sharma, RCH Director Madhu Rateshwar, and other senior health department officials.

The directorate-level Cancer Cell, once operational, will mark a structural shift in how Rajasthan coordinates state-wide cancer control — moving from ad hoc camp-based efforts to a centralised, calendar-driven programme.