Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology, supported by Tata Trusts, inaugurated in Mangalore
Mangaluru: N Srinath, the Chief Executive Officer of Tata Trusts on Saturday said that the late detection and diagnosis of cancer is one of the major problems in the treatment of cancer while the availability of treatment facilities and affordability of the treatment were also among the major issues faced in cancer treatment.
He was speaking at the inaugural event of Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology at the Yendurance Zone, Yenepoya Campus here in the city. The Institute was established in association with the Tata Trusts and aims to provide full-fledge medical aid to the Cancer patients of Karnataka and Kerala.
The Institute was inaugurated by Dakshina Kannada In-Charge Minister V Sunil Kumar who lauded the efforts of Yenepoya Group in collaborating with Tata Trust and setting up a cancer treatment facility in the city.
“Our District has stood out in the medical and healthcare sector amongst other districts of the state and this new facility has only taken the bar a notch higher. People come to Dakshina Kannada from various districts and states for their treatments. Cancer is one of the major problems today, and with a facility like this, which will provide healthcare to cancer patients in line with the standards of Bengaluru, Mumbai, etc., will be able to treat more people with more affordability for people here.” Kumar said.
Listing out the three problems that his trust aims to cap in cancer treatment, Srinath said more than 70% of cancer cases in the country are detected only when it is too late to administer effective treatment.
“Late detection, availability of treatment facilities, and affordability of treatment are the three major problems and we at Tata Trusts are trying to cap it by collaborating with governments and private institutions and opening such facilities across the country,” he said.
“But as much as setting up such facilities is important, what is also important is the outreach program. More and more screening of people, encouraging people to turn up for treatment and at the same time making the treatment affordable for them. We need to eliminate the fear of Cancer from amongst people,” he added.
Addressing the staff and members of the institute who will administrate it, Srinath added that it was their responsibility to offer empathy and sympathy to the patient and to handhold them through the process of treatment. He also urged them to form emotional bond with the patients and help them mentally during the course of the treatment.
In his Presidential address, Dr. Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi, Chancellor of Yeneopoya Deemed to be University thanked the almighty for fulfilling his long-cherished dream and thanked the Tata Trusts for collaborating with them in bringing the Institute to life.
“My aspirations to set up a facility began when I lost my mother Zulekha, early to cancer. And I am glad I was able to name this institute the Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology. I want to thank Ratan Tata and the Tata Trusts for placing their trust behind us. I want to assure them that we will take the legacy forward of cancer treatment and this will be a fruitful collaboration.” He said.
Built with a one-time grant-in-aid by the Tata Trust, the institute, which is spread over 36,000 sq. ft, offers comprehensive treatment to cancer patients with the help of advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, said M. Vijayakumar, Vice-Chancellor of Yeneopoya Deemed to be University.
Dr. Vijayakumar said the institute has two radiotherapy bunkers and one brachytherapy bunker. A TrueBeam radiotherapy machine, which helps in a targeted and precise approach to cancer, and a brachytherapy machine have been installed. In the nuclear medicine facility, the hospital has a PET CT scanner, which helps in better cancer imaging of the whole body and also in radioisotope therapy. The hospital has a 10-bed daycare facility for the administration of chemotherapy.
Mangaluru MLA UT Khader also addressed the gathering and thanked both Yenepoya Group and Tata Trusts for together setting up the institute and hoped that it will help people from all cycles of life with the treatment of Cancer.
Dr. Gangadhara Somayaji, Registrar, Yenepoya Deemed to be University welcomed the guests while Dr. Jalaluddin Akbar, Prof. and head Department of Surgical Oncology presented vote of thanks.
Chairman of Islamic Academy of Education, Y. Mohammed Kunhi, Chairman of Central Haj Committee, Abdullakutty, Dakshina Kannada DC KV Rajendra, Former Karnataka Minister Ramanath Rai, MLC Pratap Simha Nayak, MLA Bharat Shetty, Rajesh Naik, Dr. Sanjiv Chopra Chief Executive, Tata Trusts Cancer Initiative and head of various other medical institutions from Bengaluru and Mangaluru were present during the event.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
