New Delhi, May 7 (Inditop.com) The central government has asked Kerala to strengthen its medical facilities to treat cancer cases after a rise in such cases was detected in the state, the Lok Sabha was informed Friday.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Trivedi said a central health team visited Kuttanadu area in Kerala in January to investigate reported increase in cancer cases.

He said the high profile team of an oncologist, a radiotherapist, an epidemiologist and scientists, has submitted its report to the union health ministry and the state government.

The experts suggested that the government-run T.D. Medical College should form a database of cancer cases and also strengthen treatment facilities in the state.

The report also recommended that the quality of drinking water should be examined.

“Quality of drinking water may be examined by the public health engineering department for ensuring safe supply,” the minister said.

Trivedi said the central government has extended assistance to the state to continue the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) for early detection and treatment of cancer patients.