From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Feb 15: A free bone marrow transplant facility for cancer-afflicted poor children was launched at the Kidwai Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru by the Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Tuesday, February 15.
Speaking after launching the new facility, the minister said cancer-afflicted children require treatment at an early stage for recovery and the State Government has launched the free bone marrow transplant facility for poor children.
The minister also performed the Bhoomi Puja for the establishment of a medical intensive care unit at the Kidwai hospital at a cost of Rs 4 crore donated by philanthropist Rajashekar to mark the International Children’s Cancer Day.
Dr Sudhakar said bone marrow transplant treatment was a very expensive procedure in private hospitals which is beyond the means of poorer families and the State Government has started the free bone marrow transplant treatment. Two children have already received the treatment, he said.
As a large number of people from different districts visit Kidwai hospital for treatment creating lot of pressure for treatment and providing accommodation for the poorer sections, the State Government has started establishing regional centres of Kidwai in different places.
Tumakuru, Kalaburgi, Shivamogga and Mysuru already have the regional centres of Kidwai and a new centre will be opened in Belagavi this year, he said.
The Health Minister pointed out cancer has become a critical illness all over the world and many of the cancer afflicted persons get cured in advanced countries. However, this has become almost impossible in most of the developing countries as timely and proper treatment is difficult to obtain. The State Government wants to tackle this problem, he said.
He also appealed to the people to be vigilant and careful about the Covid pandemic and get themselves tested if they develop any symptoms. It is very essential that all eligible persons must get two doses of vaccine to safeguard themselves. Vaccine builds immunity and vaccinated persons are generally safe, he said.
https://twitter.com/mla_sudhakar/status/1493516577987514373?t=oZikI8VXSDCS7xN_uvThtA&s=09