Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 9: The Cancer Helpline 8050636777 was inaugurated at MIO Speciality Cancer Hospital at Pumpwell Mangaluru on January 8. The superintendent of police Dakshina Kannada district, C B Ryshyanth IPS, was the chief guest and he officially launched the helpline. 

Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized the need to dispel the fear, misconceptions, and confusion about cancer in society and to create awareness so that people take precautions in the initial stages. He expressed confidence that the MIO Specialty Cancer Hospital, which has taken a firm step towards this goal, will serve as a beacon of hope for those seeking help for cancer. 

MIO director, new ventures Dr Jalaluddin Akbar spoke about the journey of MIO. He said, “The primary focus is to provide treatment to patients with cancer at an affordable cost and on time.' He said that the exceptional service of the staff is the reason for this. He said that MIO is planning to expand its existing services at Udupi with a full-fledged MIO Cancer hospital. He further stated that we are providing services to the rural population with a hospital at Thirthahalli. 

Speaking at the event, MIO radiation oncologist Dr Venkataraman Kini explained in detail how the cancer helpline will operate. "The cancer helpline is primarily for those who are suffering from cancer, who are unable to get treatment, struggling without proper guidance, who have symptoms of the disease, and those who want to know more about cancer, various schemes for cancer treatment, and many other issues related to treatment. The cancer helpline will provide accurate information, dispel misconceptions, and provide proper guidance at the right time," he said. 

The public can use the cancer helpline to get any questions or advice or guidance related to cancer. This helpline will be available from 9 am to 6 pm initially and the public can easily make calls from any region. The helpline staff will discuss with the concerned department according to the calls received by the helpline and provide the appropriate solution.

The chief executive officer of MIO, Dr Srikanth Rao, said, "Our primary priority is to ensure that cancer treatment is available to all sections of society in a timely and affordable manner. It is also our goal to ensure that all government schemes are easily and smoothly accessible to the public for treatment without any hassles."

The doctors and staff of MIO and caregivers of patients were present at the event. Hospital operation manager, Raghavendra Singh, delivered the vote of thanks, Dr Vishrutha Devadiga was the emcee for the programme.