The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
NEW DELHI, FEB 5, 2024
On World Cancer Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s foremost aluminium producer, renewed its dedication to offering top-tier healthcare services and assistance to cancer patients, particularly those residing in rural regions. Marking the occasion, Vedanta Group’s cutting-edge cancer facility, the BALCO Medical Centre (BMC) at Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and one of India’s premier cancer care hospitals, orchestrated a series of initiatives aimed at raising awareness about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. These efforts were aligned with the theme “Closing the Care Gap,” with BMC’s initiatives including the deployment of a mammography van equipped for breast, cervix, and head & neck cancer screenings – the three most prevalent cancers in India.
Additionally, a chemotherapy daycare centre was inaugurated in Raipur, ensuring patients have convenient access to treatment without extensive travel.
Similar awareness campaigns were conducted by BALCO in Korba, in collaboration with the NGO Help Age India.
World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, is a global endeavour dedicated to spreading awareness about cancer while recognizing the resilience demonstrated by cancer fighters and survivors worldwide. As part of the activities, BMC conducted awareness sessions in schools and communities, along with a cancer awareness walk in Raipur city. Furthermore, BMC announced special offers on preventive cancer screening packages and pharmacy services, along with offering free second opinions for cancer patients.
Since its establishment in 2018, BMC has catered to the needs of over 35,000 patients, addressing existing gaps in domestic cancer awareness and treatment. It has emerged as the preferred oncology hospital in central India, offering advanced services including radiation therapy, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine, surgeries, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and pain & palliative care. The centre boasts 170 beds and cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. BMC is actively bridging gaps in domestic cancer treatment, awareness, infrastructure, and expertise, forging partnerships with prestigious institutions like the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in Mumbai and Anuva, a leading genomics biotech research company.
“World Cancer Day serves as a poignant reminder that the battle against cancer transcends clinics and laboratories, touching the hearts and minds of those affected. At BALCO Medical Centre, we are committed to providing rural communities with access to quality healthcare, promoting awareness, eliminating cancer-related stigma, and fostering an environment of empathy and resilience,” said Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson of BALCO Medical Centre.
Speaking about BALCO Medical Centre’s role in creating awareness around the illness, Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director of BMC, highlighted the importance of early cancer diagnosis, stating, “Delay in cancer diagnosis leads to reduced cure rates, financial burdens, and prolonged suffering, ultimately exacerbating poverty. On World Cancer Day, BMC organized awareness camps to promote early diagnosis, elevate quality of life, and reduce treatment costs, contributing to a healthier nation.”
Established by the Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (VMRF) and supported by the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), BALCO Medical Centre is transforming lives by enhancing access to quality medical care. The centre’s team of renowned cancer specialists actively educates individuals on the importance of timely preventive screening and mitigation measures against various cancers through platforms such as awareness talks, health camps, and webinars. Additionally, all patients at BMC receive comprehensive psychological, nutritional, and physical therapy, along with membership in patient support groups for emotional support during their treatment journey.
