Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The public healthcare system in Meghalaya has achieved a significant milestone by successfully performing its first thermal ablation procedure for HPV-related cervical pre-cancer. The operation took place at the DAE Cancer Wing of Civil Hospital Shillong, representing the first time this treatment has been administered within a state-run facility.
The medical team, comprised of doctors and nurses working alongside the Meghalaya Mission Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Project, performed the procedure on May 13. The patient involved had previously tested positive for HPV DNA Genotype 11 on March 31. Following thorough clinical evaluation and counseling, the treatment was completed as a day-care procedure.
State health officials highlighted that this development demonstrates an enhanced capability to identify and manage cervical lesions at an early stage. By providing these services directly within the public sector, the government aims to reduce the overall risk of cervical cancer for women who rely on state-funded healthcare. Previously, such specialized services were unavailable in government hospitals.
Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the availability of thermal ablation technology to district maternal and child health hospitals. This initiative is expected to bolster cervical cancer screening programs, facilitate the training of healthcare workers, and improve service accessibility in peripheral centers. Experts emphasize that early detection and timely intervention are essential strategies for reducing mortality rates for one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women in India.
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