Poison in the Water? River Drains Found Highly Toxic

A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed alarming health risks for people residing near river drains. The study found that individuals in these areas face a significantly higher risk of developing cancer due to hazardous pollutants in the water.

Toxic Metals Found in Water

Water samples collected near river drains showed dangerously high levels of lead, iron, and aluminium. These levels exceeded the permissible limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As a result, prolonged exposure to such contamination poses severe health risks, including cancer.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, shared these findings in a written response to the Rajya Sabha on March 11, 2025. The study, published by the Indian Academy of Sciences, highlighted that hazard quotients in these regions were beyond safe limits, raising serious concerns.

Government Initiatives to Strengthen Cancer Treatment

Recognizing the increasing burden of cancer, the central government has taken several steps to improve healthcare facilities. Under the Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme, multiple institutes have been approved to offer advanced treatment:

19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) are being established.
The National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Haryana, and Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata have been set up to provide specialized care.
All 22 new AIIMS hospitals will have dedicated cancer treatment centres with medical, surgical, and radiation oncology services.

To make cancer treatment accessible, these services are either free or available at highly subsidized rates for economically weaker patients.

Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment

The government has also introduced financial aid programs to ease the burden of cancer treatment costs. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care.

The scheme benefits 55 crore people from economically weaker sections.
Recently, it was expanded to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income level.
PM-JAY covers over 500 cancer-related procedures to ensure comprehensive treatment.

Affordable Medicines and Discounted Treatments

To make cancer medicines more affordable, the government has taken several initiatives:

Over 15,000 Janaushadhi Kendras offer generic medicines at lower prices. 87 cancer-related medicines are available through this scheme.
The Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) scheme provides discounts of up to 50% on medicines. Currently, 222 AMRIT Pharmacies operate across 29 states and Union Territories.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Programs

In addition to treatment, the government is focusing on cancer prevention through early detection and awareness programs. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) has set up:

770 District NCD clinics
6,410 NCD clinics at community health centres

These clinics aim to provide timely diagnosis and intervention to reduce cancer cases.

Conclusion

The ICMR study has highlighted a serious health crisis affecting those living near river drains. While the government has taken commendable steps to improve cancer treatment accessibility, the need for clean water, pollution control, and public awareness remains crucial. Preventive measures and strict regulations are necessary to safeguard public health and reduce the rising cancer risk in affected areas.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.