Cancer treatment has become more accessible for the people around Asansol with the introduction of ecentralized cancer care system. Now, patients in the surrounding area can avail the advanced treatments medical science has to offer without travelling to Kolkata. Doctors stated that treatment for breast, bone and kidney cancers is being successfully conducted locally.
Over the past five years, nearly 2,000 patients have received treatment at the district facility, and the patient load continues to rise as the need to travel to Kolkata has reduced.
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Telemedicine links with Kolkata specialists
At a press conference on Saturday, hospital authorities said cancer treatment has been available at the district hospital since 2021. Cancer specialist Amit Mukhopadhyay stated that patients are being treated through a telemedicine system in collaboration with specialists from PG Hospital.
According to him, regular treatment is currently ongoing for 1,758 patients in the district. He claimed that the decentralised model has significantly benefited residents of the industrial region. Through teleconsultation, local specialists are able to provide advanced oncology services in coordination with Kolkata-based experts.
Significant progress in common cancer care
Dr Mukhopadhyay highlighted that the hospital has achieved notable success in breast cancer treatment. So far, around 57 patients have undergone successful treatment. In cases where required, breast reconstruction procedures have also been performed. Regular chemotherapy services are being provided at the hospital, reducing both travel and treatment costs for patients.
With the telemedicine system in place, many patients are now receiving chemotherapy at comparatively low cost.
Rising tobacco-related cancer cases
Hospital authorities also noted a rise in tobacco and gutka-related cancer cases in the industrial belt. Hospital Superintendent Nikhilchandra Das stated that the district hospital will conduct awareness campaigns to address this growing concern.
He further informed that after the launch of the multi-super speciality department at the hospital, special emphasis has been placed on strengthening cancer treatment services.
