World Cancer Day Observed At Tirupati SVIMS
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) incharge executive officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary formally inaugurated the programmes. Addressing the gathering, he said SVIMS has developed its cancer department to provide treatment to patients at all stages of the disease.
TIRUPATI: World Cancer Day was observed at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) in Tirupati on Wednesday with awareness rallies, poster exhibitions and public outreach activities aimed at highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment of cancer. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) incharge executive officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary formally inaugurated the programmes. Addressing the gathering, he said SVIMS has developed its cancer department to provide treatment to patients at all stages of the disease. He said an Advanced Cancer Care building with 300 beds, five intensive care units and modern medical equipment is being set up at a cost of Rs 120 crore and will be inaugurated soon. Chowdary said free cancer screening is being provided to rural populations through two Pink Buses. He said 730 screening camps have been conducted so far, covering 42,609 people. Of these, 3,226 patients were referred to SVIMS for further evaluation, and 759 patients have completed treatment. SVIMS director and vice-chancellor Dr R.V. Kumar said cancer should not be viewed only as a fatal disease, as many forms can be treated successfully if detected early. He said SVIMS has been providing cancer care for the past two decades and, with the support of the TTD, has strengthened surgical, radiation and medical oncology services. He added that a palliative care wing is also being developed for patients in advanced stages of cancer. Treatment is being provided free of cost under the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme, while additional expenses are covered under the Pranadanam scheme. During the programme, the mother of an 11-year-old girl suffering from a rare cancer said the child’s medicines cost about `2 lakh per month. She said the Head of the Medical Oncology Department, Dr Bhargavi, bore the cost of the medicines for two months from her own funds, and the family thanked the doctor and the institute for the support. Meanwhile, doctors spoke on different types of cancer and the need for timely screening. Students of SVIMS colleges presented a short skit conveying the message that awareness and responsibility are key in dealing with the disease.
