Integrated cancer centre opens at NBMCH

SNS, SILIGURI. 4 FEBRUARY 2022 : Amid Cancer Day observation across the globe, an integrated service on oncology was introduced at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) in Siliguri today.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was supposed to inaugurate the facility virtually, but sources said the programme was cancelled in view of the election model code of conduct for the civic body elections.

Patients, who turn up for cancer treatment at the NBMCH, usually visit the outpatient department (OPD) in a "scattered manner."

According to the superintendent of the NBMCH, Dr Sanjay Malik the initiative was to bring all departments concerned for cancer treatment under one umbrella.

"From now on, at the radiotherapy OPD, doctors of the departments concerned will examine the patients day-wise. There will be separate arrangements of beds for patients at the designated area," Dr Mallik said.

Five departments--medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gynecology and ENT--will be part of the oncology service there.

Around 50 patients suffering from cancer visit the hospital daily for treatment. Sources, however, said the number of patients had dropped due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"During the third week of January this year and second wave last year, the number of patient winless as they feared contracting Covid-19. The situation had stopped them from going for regular checkups at the hospital. There is scheduled treatment for cancer, especially monitoring and counseling. The delay in treatment could lead to cancer becoming more advanced. Palliative care services at the OPD are also available here," said an oncologist at the NBMCH.

Dr Mallik said some cancer-related special tests will also be started soon. Tests like cancer markers at the biochemistry department will be conducted.