Dharamshala: Every year the Department of Health observes World Cancer Day on February 4 and this year the Department engaged in several initiatives centered on the issue. The Department places a high value on early detection and prevention as these strategies have the potential to avert many cancer-related fatalities.

For a number of years, the Department of Health has been involved in various initiatives aimed at preventing cancer. In a similar drive this year, all hospitals and clinics situated in settlements across India took part in activities appropriate to their location, such as giving free health checks, holding talks about different cancers, teaching women how to do breast self-examination by doctors and nurses, holding quizzes and drawing competitions in schools.

This program was funded by USAID through the Tibet Fund.