Thiruvananthapuram: Citizens suffering from cancer can from here on avail free bus transport in the Kerala state-run buses. The initiative underscores accessible and compassionate healthcare support was announced by Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar in the assembly session.
The decision by the state government will be a relief for thousands of patients who are looking to travel to far away places within the state to seek treatment.
The decision was welcomed by the assembly members with a huge applause amidst the ongoing strife between the ruling LDF and opposition UDF over the Sabarimala gold theft allegation.
The new decision will take effect from today and is applicable to passenger ordinary KSRTC buses to the luxury KSRTC buses in the state.
“We feel that cancer patients need more care and compassion when it comes to leading a decent life in the society. We feel that they deserve free transport in the KSRTC buses and hence the government has decided to come up with this measure”, said transport minister KB Ganesh Kumar.
Kerala has the highest crude cancer incidence rate in India, with an estimated 88,460 new cases annually, projected to reach around 90,000 by 2030. Breast cancer is the leading cancer among women, while lung cancer is the most common in men. Rising cancer cases are attributed to factors like an aging population, lifestyle changes such as obesity and sedentary habits, and increased alcohol consumption. The state has government schemes like the Cancer Suraksha Scheme to provide free treatment for children under 18, and the Karunya Benevolent Fund for other eligible patients.