OncoWatch

A Cancer Hospital Inaugurated in Guwahati

Considering the prevalence of tobacco use and high-incidence of cancer in the North-Eastern region, The North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Guhawati, has been established. Dr PM Barua, MD of the Hospital said, "Most cancer patients in India are from the North-east and Assam and that the people from the region have to travel outside their states for treatment. But, now they can afford to be treated here itself." Spread across 2.5 acres of land, the hospital has four OT blocks and the IPD would be able to accommodate 100 patients after completion of the first phase of construction. Financed by Indian Overseas Bank, the project is estimated at Rs 30 crore and is equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities in cancer treatment like liver accelerator, which according to Dr Baruah is available only in 50 hospitals across India. Besides, specialists like Dr Hemant Roy, Chief of Surgical Department, Apollo Hospital, Chennai have agreed to make visits as a guest doctor in intervals throughout the year. Dr Baruah also said, "The institute has facilitated a free treatment cell for cancer patients below the poverty line." He also emphasised the cost-effectiveness of the treatment, "Apart from travel, food and lodging expenses, a patient had to almost Rs 85,000 for their treatment, but the same would be now available at Rs 35,000. With adequate infrastructure and updated treatment facilities, the institute aims at not only curing, but also creating public awareness about cancer.

EH News Bureau