Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Reply on Cancer Notification Plea
The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Union government on a public interest litigation seeking to declare cancer a notifiable disease across India. The petition was filed by an AIIMS doctor, who argued that mandatory reporting of cancer cases is essential for accurate data collection, early detection, and better policy planning.
Plea Highlights Gaps in Cancer Data
The petitioner told the court that India lacks a comprehensive and uniform system to track cancer cases nationwide. While some states maintain cancer registries, reporting remains inconsistent, leading to underestimation of the disease burden. Declaring cancer a notifiable disease would require hospitals, laboratories, and diagnostic centres to report every confirmed case to government authorities.
The plea further stated that timely reporting would help identify regional trends, improve access to treatment, and support targeted public health interventions. It also emphasised that better data could strengthen preventive strategies and resource allocation, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Court Observations and Next Steps
A bench of the Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre and other concerned authorities on the feasibility and implications of such a move. The court noted that the issue raised significant public health concerns and required detailed examination.
The government is expected to place its stand on record, including whether existing mechanisms are adequate or if a nationwide notification framework is required. The matter will be taken up for further hearing after replies are filed, with the court likely to consider expert input before issuing any directions.
