GH in dire need of radiotherapy unit

(Rep image)

The medical fraternity here has voiced the need for upgrading facilities for cancer care at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital.

The hospital, which caters to the requirements of cancer patients in nearby districts also, has been referring patients to Thanjavur Medical College Hospital.

Though the Centre is implementing Tertiary Care Cancer Centre (TCCC) under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), no government medical college has been able to avail its utility.

Under the scheme, assistance is provided to procure equipment for radiotherapy, diagnosis, surgery, improvement of wards.

In Tamil Nadu, only the Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai has received Rs. 67.38 crore in 2014-15 under the scheme of establishing State Cancer Institute, according to official statistics.

Patients in Tiruchi district and nearby areas depend on GVN Hospitals for radiation therapy.

Solace

The solace is that they can derive benefit from the Tamil Nadu Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.

Mahatma Gandhi hospital Dean G. Anitha said a proposal for a radiotherapy facility had been forwarded through the district administration to the government. Industry sponsors were being identified under Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

Presently the hospital addresses needs of cancer patients in the areas of surgical oncology and medical oncology.

The equipment required for radiotherapy unit is quite expensive, warranting expenditure of up to Rs. 24 crore, official sources said.

Nevertheless, it is an absolute necessity as the hospital serves as a tertiary centre for cancer patients in nearby districts of Karur, Pudukottai, Perambalur and Ariyalur as well, according to Sathish, secretary of Tiruchi unit of Tamil Nadu Government Doctors’ Association.

Source