Samajwadi Party (SP) National President Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that since approximately 54 per cent of cancer cases among men in Uttar Pradesh are caused by substance abuse, the government should launch a comprehensive campaign against all forms of addiction.
He said that such campaigns should be led by trustworthy individuals who have honestly succeeded in life by staying away from all kinds of addiction-not only in public life but also in their private lives-and whose families are happy and stable.
Such real-life examples, he said, would become a source of inspiration for society and encourage the younger generation to resolve to stay away from drugs.
Posting on social media on the occasion of World Cancer Day, Akhilesh Yadav emphasised that prevention is better than fighting cancer. He said cancer can be defeated through timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Vaccinations that are medically proven to prevent certain types of cancer should be adopted, and the government should ensure that these vaccines are made available free of cost.
He termed tobacco the biggest cause of cancer and appealed to people to completely distance themselves from its use.
The SP president also said that cancer survivors who have successfully overcome the disease and are now leading healthy lives should be introduced to patients in hospitals to instil hope and positivity among them.
He urged people to remain cautious of the misconception that some addictive products are being sold as “medicinal,” stressing that addiction in any form is harmful.
Akhilesh Yadav demanded that cancer medicines be made completely tax-free and provided free of cost to poor patients. He also called for better maintenance of existing cancer institutions in the state and prioritising the establishment of new cancer institutes at the divisional level.
Appealing for collective participation, he urged everyone to launch campaigns such as “Say No to Tobacco” and “Eradicate Addiction.” He said, “Adopt a happy life and do not touch drugs.”