Cancer care OPD at MGMGH proves helpful for patients in central districts

Weeks after it was inaugurated, over 100 persons have visited the cancer outpatient department (OPD) at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH), attached to K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College in Tiruchi.

“Over 100 men and women have come in for tests and consultation so far, with approximately 20 persons at each OPD held on Mondays and Wednesdays since the ward was launched in early January. Since the state’s Organised Cancer Screening programme of the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme is linked to this ward, we are hoping to cater to more people in the coming days. The tumour board meets to discuss individual cases every Friday,” S. Kumaravel, dean, K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, told The Hindu on Friday.

The other days of the week are open for follow-up patients.

Assistant professors of radiation oncology, A. Karthikeswaran and J. Keerthika, and of medical oncology, Whitney Joseph, form the team of cancer specialists at the OPD.

Approximately 8-10 patients have been undergoing chemotherapy as a day-long inpatient visit. However, due to the absence of radiation therapy facilities, patients are being referred to Thanjavur Government Medical College and Hospital.

Incidence of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and oral cancer had been noted so far at the ward, said the specialists.

“People from Perambalur, Ariyalur and other places near Tiruchi have been coming to get tested. Having introduced chemotherapy in the GH has made life easier for many patients and their attenders, who had to travel to Thanjavur or Madurai for treatment earlier. If we commence radiation therapy, it would be a big advantage for patients,” said Dr. Karthikeswaran.

Dr. Joseph said that patients felt more confident and motivated to seek medical attention, especially for side-effects of cancer treatment because of the OPD’s presence in the government hospital.

The ward is providing affordable cancer care especially for patients from economically weaker sections of society, said Dr. Keerthika. “The facilities of the ward are offered free of charge under the coverage of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. This is a very significant service, when compared to expensive cancer treatment at private hospitals,” she said.