Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare system is witnessing a steady surge in cancer registrations, with nearly 10,000 cases recorded across major tertiary institutions in 2025 alone, the government informed the Assembly on February 13.
Of these, the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura has emerged as the region’s principal cancer care hub, registering more than 16,000 cases over the last three years.
Responding to a question by MLA Ahsan Pardesi, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said SKIMS alone accounted for 5,108 cancer cases in 2023, rising to 5,387 in 2024 — a 5.4% increase — and further to 5,791 in 2025, marking a 7.5 per cent jump.
At Government Medical College Jammu, the number of registered cases climbed from 1,767 in 2023 to 2,206 in 2024 and 2,569 in 2025. Meanwhile, Government Medical College Srinagar recorded 1,159 cases in 2022, 1,640 in 2023, 1,659 in 2024 and 1,558 in 2025.
Rise in cases or rise in detection?
While the figures indicate a consistent upward trend, the Minister cautioned against interpreting the increase as a definitive spike in cancer incidence.
“The observed rise is likely influenced by significantly improved diagnostic capabilities and enhanced detection rates across healthcare institutions,” she said, underscoring the need for detailed epidemiological research before drawing conclusions about a true increase in disease prevalence.
Cancer infrastructure expanding, but gaps remain. The government said the State Cancer Institute at GMC Jammu has been made operational in phases since February 4, 2023.
At SKIMS Soura, a 100-bedded State Cancer Institute was established with central funding of Rs 120 crore under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).
Although commissioned in December 2020, infrastructure development at the SKIMS institute remains ongoing.
Currently, around 80% of the facility is functional, operating with manpower drawn from the parent hospital.
A proposal for the creation of dedicated posts — including doctors, nurses, paramedics, technical and support staff — is under active consideration by the Jammu and Kashmir government, the Minister said.
Boost in diagnostics to cut waiting time
To manage the growing patient load, the government is ramping up diagnostic services. PET scans at SKIMS have risen sharply from 1,410 in 2024 to 2,250 in 2025 — a significant expansion aimed at reducing waiting periods for critical investigations.
At GMC Jammu, routine biochemistry and pathology tests are being conducted without delay, with PET scan reports typically delivered within three to four days. Where facilities are unavailable, patients are referred under a standardised protocol, with phased strengthening of services underway.
GMC Srinagar continues to provide comprehensive cancer care, including surgeries and therapies, along with MRI, CT and ultrasound investigations.
In a major push to enhance its capabilities, the Health and Medical Education Department has granted administrative approval for procurement of a new PET scan machine for GMC Srinagar at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore through JKMSCL.
Officials described the investment as a strategic move that will significantly strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity in the Valley.
As cancer registrations climb and diagnostic access expands, Jammu and Kashmir’s health infrastructure appears to be at a critical juncture — balancing rising demand with evolving capacity, while policymakers weigh long-term epidemiological realities against the gains of improved detection.
