Udupi: Cancer care services at Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital and Reasearch Centre, Manipal got better on with the inauguration of Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care unit, Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator and a department of palliative and supportive care.

A team of doctors have joined the Centre to provide best possible care to provide relief to patients. The Centre will revolutionize the way cancer care is delivered to the people of this region, bringing world-class treatment closer to them and also keeping cost of treatment affordable.

Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, chairman MHEPL inaugurated the Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, Manipal. Dr Ballal said that Cancer departments in hospitals were getting busier as more and more patients were being afflicted by the disease. “Most cancers are lifestyle related,” Dr Ballal added. He lauded the efforts of the Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in providing economic treatment for patients in this region.

Vasanti R Pai, trustee - MAHE Trust, Manipal and chairperson Hostel Management Committee, MAHE, Manipal released the theme and logo for the Comprehensive Centre. It encompasses the core philosophy of the centre which is “Person centre, Precise and Personalised Care”. The four pillars of cancer care -- Cure, Palliation, Prevention and Rehabilitation are represented in the logo.

Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor MAHE, Manipal inaugurated the advanced Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator Machine capable for performing as Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR), Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) with Volumetric Image Guidance (kV-CBCT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) which is first time in the coastal region of Karnataka.

Dr H Vinod Bhat, vice-chancellor MAHE Manipal inaugurated the department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care. Dr Vinod Bhat said, “Cancer causes more impact on patients than what is visible.” The new Centre derives the principle of comprehensive cancer care and cure through the various departments which are directly and indirectly involved in dealing with the disease.

Dr Poornima Baliga pro vice-chancellor MAHE, Manipal was the guest of honour and Dr Pragna, Rao, dean KMC Manipal released the information booklet. Muthana chief operating officer Kasturba Hospital, Manipal and Dr Avinash Shetty Medical Superintendent Kasturba Hospital, Manipal were present.