WTF Alert: Dear Health Min, What Is This ‘Cancer for Sins’ Theory?

“Cancer and accidents are divine justice for people’s sins,” said Assam’s Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Hang on, what did I just hear?

So, you don’t get cancer because of radiation, toxic chemicals, virus infections, air pollution, lifestyle issues, obesity, or poor diet, but because you cheated on your girlfriend?

While scientists are still trying to figure out what exactly causes cancer, Mr Himanta Biswa Sarma has called it, “it’s your sins.”

Then according to Mr Sarma’s model of justice, if a person robs a bank, should they just get cancer instead of going to jail?

What sin did a three-year-old who got cancer commit, sir?

Here Are Some Cancer Stats From Assam

But seriously, Mr Minister, here’s a look at the statistics from your state.

• Assam’s Kamrup district has the fourth highest incidence of cancer in the country among men and the third highest among women.
• Over 90,000 new cancer cases were detected in Assam in the last five years, and over 20,000 cases are detected every year in the state.
• Incidence of cancer is highest in the north-east region, compared to the rest of the country.
• Over six lakh people die every year due to cancer in India.

So, you’re saying all these people were bad and deserved suffering from cancer because of their sins?

That’s rich coming from a Health Minister. Next-level patient-shaming.

Focus on Improving the State's Cancer Care?

Why don’t you focus on working to provide better healthcare and raising awareness instead of shirking responsibility?

One-third of all cancer deaths are preventable. Why not work on that?

You announced certain schemes and plans for cancer care. Why not try and implement those?

Assam has nine cancer therapy machines but needs 30, given its population of 3.1 crore. The state has 50 health institutes without doctors, 54 without nurses, and 16 without doctors and nurses.

Do you not see the need for better cancer care?

In fact, you’re now standing by your statement, saying this is how Hindu philosophy works. And you were not talking about science, but karma.

But weren’t you speaking as the Health Minister at a public event? You may want to choose your words much better next time, sir.

Video Editor: Ashish Maccune

(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT to find #PollutionKaSolution. Send in your suggestions to [e-mail] or WhatsApp @ [phone])