Gorakhpur Mayor Manglesh Kumar Srivastava announced that children in the region diagnosed with cancer can now receive treatment at BRD Medical College, part of Uttar Pradesh government’s efforts to enhance early treatment accessibility. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving health facilities, Srivastava urged raising awareness about early signs of childhood cancer for prompt medical intervention. He also participated in a cycling event to raise awareness about childhood cancer, supporting Chief Minister Adityanath’s initiative to provide top-notch treatment within the state.
Highlighting the importance of community support, Mayor Srivastava flagged off the Gorakhpur leg of the ‘Cycle for Gold’ national campaign, which aimed to raise awareness about childhood cancer. The campaign, launched on World Cancer Day, witnessed a massive participation of 2,500 cyclists covering 12 lakh km across 417-plus cities. The event brought together various stakeholders, including doctors, schools, and citizens, to show solidarity with children battling cancer and promote early detection and treatment.
Poonam Bagai, a member of ICMR Central Ethics Committee on Human Research, emphasized the significance of collective efforts in supporting children with cancer. As a representative of Childhood Cancer International’s WHO South East Asia Region, Bagai stressed the need for establishing statewide referral networks, training healthcare workers for early detection, and providing financial and social assistance to affected families. The ‘Cycle for Gold’ initiative symbolized unity across India for a common cause, showcasing the potential impact of community-driven campaigns in improving childhood cancer care.
