MLA flags spike in cancer cases in Balabhadrapuram

Kakinada:Anaparthi MLA Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy expressed concern after a survey by Rangaraya Medical College (RMC) found 62 cancer cases in Balabhadrapuram village, East Godavari.

Contradicting the District Medical and Health Officer's (DMHO) claim of only six cases, Reddy criticised the department for not conducting a scientific survey. The RMC survey covered 1,295 people out of a population of 10,000 and reported a cancer rate higher than the national, Kerala, and AP averages.

He said 10.8 per cent of the cases were in the 70+ age group, and 2 per cent in the 20–30 bracket, raising alarm over youth affected by cancer.

Reddy stated he would submit the findings to the state government for further action. BJP state president D. Purandeswari has already reported the issue to the Union government, seeking urgent intervention.