Considering the increasing number of cancer patients, a cancer diagnostic van has been provided to Pune Circle from the Maharashtra government under the Non-Communicable Diseases Programme for the examination and diagnosis of suspected cancer patients in rural and urban areas.

In line with the guidelines received, a detailed action plan has been prepared for the examination of patients through cancer diagnostic vans in Pune, Satara and Solapur districts under the Pune Circle.

Initially, the examinations began at the Women's Hospital in Baramati on February 9.

The van offers various types of examinations, including screening and examination of asymptomatic treatment, health education sessions before screening, oral visual examination (OVE), clinical breast examination (CBE), visual inspection with acetic acid, oral cancer biopsy, cervical colposcopy guided biopsy and more.

Gynaecologists, dental surgeons and other trained officers/staff have been appointed to examine the patients through the van.

Deputy Director Office, Health Services, Pune has directed to examine as many patients as possible. The health workers in the area have been instructed to guide and conduct health examination of all suspected patients.

To date, a total of 7,385 people have been examined under all talukas in Pune district. Out of this, 154 patients have been identified as suspected cases, while 37 patients have been diagnosed with cancer. The diagnosed patients will be referred for further treatment at recognised hospitals.