Cancer centre gets equipment

Nellore, Feb. 3: The Indian Red Cross Society’s (IRCS) Jakka Sujatamma Cancer Detection Institute has acquired a latest version of simulator for effective treatment to cancer patients. The Baba Atomic Research Centre has donated the equipment worth Rs 53 lakh to the institute.
The sophisticated machine is a diagnostic tool similar to X-Ray with display facility and meant for radiation therapy planning to provide accurate treatment, according to the radiation safety officer, Ms C. Sudha.
The institute was established with funds donated by philanthropists.
From mere detection centre, the institute has transformed into a full-fledged cancer hospital after the Union government presented a Cobalt teletherapy machine.
The radiation therapy facility was a blessing in disguise for cancer patients of Nellore and nearby places, who otherwise had to travel to distant places for treating localised solid tumors such as cancer of the skin, tongue, larynx, brain, breast or uterine cervix.
In addition to cobalt, a host of equipment has been added during the last three years and the institute has become most sought after place for the cancer affected especially to the poor holding Arogyasri cards.
As many as 160 surgeries have been performed and radiation treatment was given to 319 patients apart from chemo therapy to 1,178 during the last 10 months under Arogyasri. “We have urged the Union government to provide a higher version of radio therapy machine known as Linear Accelerator.
Treatment through this equipment would safeguard the skin and other organs close to the affected spot,” IRCS secretary, Dr A.V. Subhramanyam said.
Referring to the Red Cross motto to serve the poor and downtrodden, he said that they have been planning to establish a corpus fund with the help of donors for sm-ooth running of the institute.
IRCS functionary, Mr Tunga Siva Prasad Reddy said that the centre has been offering treatment to all cancer related ailments except blood and kidney cancers as of now.