Media Release
Udupi, Nov 11: Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre (MCCCC) of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal celebrated its 3rd anniversary on November 10.
Dr Anil D’Cruz, president, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), director of Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, and former director, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai was the chief guest of the programme. Vasanti R Pai, trustee, MAHE Trust, Manipal, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice-chancellor, MAHE Manipal, and Dr P L N G Rao, pro-vice-chancellor, Faculty of Health Sciences MAHE Manipal were the guests of honour of the programme. Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE Manipal presided over the function.
Dr Anil D’Cruz, delivered the keynote speech. His particular emphasis was on the importance of Preventive Oncology, Treatment Equity in Cancer therapy, Cost-effective Innovative Cancer research, and focus on Quality-of-Life Initiatives.
Vasanti R Pai launched Global Cancer Consortium and in her speech, she emphasized the importance of community outreach programs and health education for cancer, especially for rural women.
Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh discussed the upcoming projects of MAHE like Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre for patients with a terminal illness and Home away from the Home facility for children with cancer and their families. He reiterated that all patients with cancer are being provided with the best possible affordable quality care irrespective of their socioeconomic status.
Dr P L N G Rao enlightened the gathering on the need for new drug discovery to enhance cancer care and its availability and affordability to the population at large.
In his presidential address Dr H S Ballal, emphasised the need for early detection, access to quality treatment and palliative care for far advanced diseases. He emphasized the humanitarian aspect of cancer care and how it should be intertwined with medical care.
Dr Mahadev Rao, professor and head of department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, described the Global Cancer Consortium and its collaborators, its scope, activities, and impact. He presented the consortium website www.glocacon.org and updated on the various seminars, community outreach series, and mini symposiums held over the past year. He highlighted the forthcoming 1st virtual conference to be held from December 2 to 4.
In his welcome address, Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, dean, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, highlighted the journey and development of the cancer centre. Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, proposed the vote of thanks.