Photo: Prakhar Pandey
The dreaded disease of a malignant tumour, which affects various parts of the human body, both internally and externally, is referred as Cancer. Till the early quarter of the last century, doctors had no effective treatment or cure for this ailment. Thanks to Marie Curie’s innovative research, experts in the medical world found Radium as a possible therapy to tackle Cancer, through Cobalt Radiation. However, in due course of time it was realised that excessive or constant exposure to radiation is harmful, which led scientists to research on alternative modes of treatment. Unfortunately, despite all the efforts, instances of Cancer have been on the rise. Cancer is indeed ‘spreading like cancer’! Even the Nobel Prize winner for his work on Cancer, the Canadian-born Ralph Steinman of the USA, died from Cancer.
Although the root cause of Cancer is attributed to environmental factors, lifestyle or certain addictions like tobacco and alcohol, it is primarily the lack of its awareness in society that has let this disease raise its ugly hood in one form or the other - everywhere. In such a scenario, it is heartening to note that a couple of dedicated doctors, aided by volunteer social activists, have taken up the cause of spreading mass awareness of Cancer in the Millennium City. Yash Cancer Foundation (YCF), an NGO, deserves special mention. Also actively associated with the Civil Hospital, it is rendering yeoman’s service to the general public. As part of the awareness programme, the doctors, led by the Founder, Dr. Anuradha and her associates, have endeavoured to dispel assorted myths in the minds of the public. Besides these, YCF has been periodically organising Cancer detection camps, including free consultation through OPD for the sufferers - particularly among families hailing from the rural areas and economically weaker sections of society. Dr Anuradha says, “We have always tried to help the needy and poor people in every possible way, and to treat them for this disease. We have also funded a couple of surgeries for the deserving patients. We are also ever busy with the awareness programme, which has been taken to all segments of the society. I had seen my mother suffering from Cancer. It was then that I resolved to do something for Cancer patients, to help mitigate their woes within available sources and resources. That is how Yash Cancer Foundation was born.”
The Cancer Department at the Civil Hospital, headed by Dr. Bhanot, is doing yeoman’ service in this area. In early November the Civil Hospital had observed National Cancer Awareness Day, wherein they called Cancer survivors to express their views. The doctors believe that Cancer survivors are the best persons to spread the awareness for Cancer. This session had been attended by 400 people from across Gurgaon. Expressing his gratitude to the doctor and the hospital, Vidan Singh, who was diagnosed with Cancer, said, “I am lucky to survive. This hospital has given me everything. In fact I had lost hopes of survival, as I had knocked at every door - in vain. But Dr. Bhanot here became my savior – he has let me live again. I had developed Cancer in the neck area. They have treated me with least possible cost, which was a real blessing as I had already spent most of my money on the other hospitals. Despite all their expertise, equipment and other aids, it is at the Civil Hospital that I survived.” Sharing his views, Dr. Bhanot, Head of Cancer Department, opines, “The root causes of Cancer are yet to be defined specifically; in fact the word itself is so vast that it is hard to explain. We try our level best to extend every kind of facility to the patients. Apart from treatment we also undertake counselling and pep up the spirit of demoralised patients. I personally make sure that we hold awareness camps across the villages in the district of Gurgaon.” He adds, on a note of satisfaction, “In all humility, let me admit that it was my initiative to start this ward for Cancer patients in our hospital, and I am proud to say that it has been a successful concept in the cause of a healthy society. It was started in 2007, and till date the total number of patients treated in the Cancer OPD has been 4,759. Of course the number of people visiting our OPD has also increased with time, which ironically indicates some good signs. Today, by and large, the people, the poor ones in particular, are aware of different types of Cancer, and fortunately they are treated here within affordable costs. I may also mention that there have been instances when I have personally helped scores of Cancer patients, financially as well as physiologically and psychologically.”
Amidst these developments and benevolent deeds, be they individual or of the Foundation, it is disheartening to note that the funds earmarked by the government, for fighting the disease of Cancer, have been meagre. Mere warning messages on tobacco products, as per government’s dictum, are not enough. Alongside prevention, medication too demands equal attention. In addition to certified oncologists, allied specialists and paramedical staff, the Ministry of Health must ensure proper therapeutic facilities, including chemotherapy for in-patients suffering from Cancer. This is a crucial aspect that is endorsed by Dr. Bhanot. He candidly notes, “Being a doctor of a government hospital, I have not received encouraging support from the concerned departmental authorities. They opened this ward with a particular motto, but with no supplementing funds to equip the treatment wing with the latest modes in the treatment of Cancer. This Hospital does need modern equipment, along with additional doctors. A few persons can’t do everything. For example, there are just four nurses to attend to the Cancer patients, each of whose treatment would vary, depending upon the type and extent of the disease. I do wish that those at the helm of affairs take due note of this and take care of the needful urgently,” adds Dr. Bhanot. Creditably, unlike most of the government hospitals elsewhere, the Cancer ward at the Civil Hospital is most hygienically maintained. Unfortunately, the absence of qualified doctors also means that some of the beds in this Cancer ward lie vacant. Swasth Bharat bhi chahiye sarkaar!
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