The Business Bytes
Kolkata, July 1, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Medica Group of Hospitals, the largest private healthcare network in Eastern India, and Rotary, one of the largest service organizations globally, have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking collaboration on National Doctors’ Day on Monday. Medica Superspecialty Hospital and Rotary District 3291 have initiated a program focused on increasing awareness and providing screenings for cervical and paediatric cancer, targeting underserved communities in West Bengal.
The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Dr. Krishnendu Gupta, the newly appointed District Governor of Rotary District 3291 and Professor & Unit Head of the Dept of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences. Dr. Gupta was joined by Prof. (Dr.) Subir Ganguly, Senior Consultant and Advisor in Radiation Oncology, Dr. Sourav Datta, Senior Consultant & Director of Medica Oncology, Dr. Arunava Roy, Senior Consultant & Head of Gynaecologic Oncology & Women Cancer Initiative, Dr. Sayan Das, Senior Consultant & Head of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Harsh Dhar, Head and Consultant of Head Neck Cancer Surgery, Skull Base Oncosurgery, Dr. Abhay Kumar, Head of Urology, Uro-Oncosurgery & Robotic Surgery Specialist, R. Udayan Lahiry, Managing Director of Medica Group of Hospitals, and Ayanabh Deb Gupta, Joint Managing Director of Medica Group of Hospitals.
Medica and Rotary are dedicated to enhancing public health through their services and programs, and this initiative marks a significant step in that direction. In recognition of their contributions to oncology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital and Rotary dignitaries honoured Medica Oncology’s distinguished specialists — Dr. Arunava Roy, Dr. Abhay Kumar, Dr. Harsh Dhar, Dr. Sudeep Das, and Dr. Sayan Das — for their dedication and advancements in cancer care.
Dr. Krishnendu Gupta emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “This year, our primary focus is cervical cancer prevention and screening. Like our success with Polio eradication, we aim to make a substantial impact on cervical cancer prevention and screening in the coming years. Rotary has a long-standing commitment to addressing critical health issues, and this collaboration with Medica Oncology demonstrates our dedication to making a tangible difference. With over 150 Rotary clubs in Kolkata and the surrounding areas, our reach extends deep into communities that need it most. Leveraging Medica’s distinguished oncologists, we aim to significantly impact the early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, which affects over 300,000 women annually in India. Additionally, more than 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Through our ‘Life Beyond Cancer’ initiative, we support many underprivileged families by providing financial assistance for the initial treatment phase through a crowdfunding corpus fund. Together with Medica, we will ensure that no child is denied treatment.”
Prof. (Dr.) Subir Ganguly added, “Our goal through this joint initiative is to reduce disparities in accessing vital screening services, significantly improving prognosis for women across our region. Cervical cancer, accounting for 6-29% of cases, is steadily increasing in both rural and urban communities. Medica’s Oncology team is committed to proactive measures in districts, recognizing that timely detection is crucial, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where awareness is low and social taboos persist. Our efforts aim to ensure that quality healthcare reaches every corner.”
Dr. Sourav Datta highlighted the hospital’s outreach efforts, stating, “There has been a significant shift in cancer treatment, and Kolkata is now on par with the world’s leading cities in providing superior care. Medica has taken a leading role with organ-specific cancer surgery and advanced technology for detection and treatment. Our association with Rotary will help us mobilize resources in districts and reach underserved populations. We aim to maximize our reach to ensure every screening is done for cervical cancer and provide care for paediatric patients at our hospital.”
- Udayan Lahiry, Managing Director of Medica Group of Hospitals, emphasized, “Medica Oncology has always aimed to propagate cancer care in rural and semi-urban areas of Bengal. With cancer incidence rising each day, our cervical cancer screening camps in Medinipore, Hooghly, Murshidabad, Nadia, and Birbhum will raise awareness about prevention and early diagnosis, working hand in hand with Rotary and other local bodies.”
Ayanabh Debgupta, Joint Managing Director of Medica Group of Hospitals, remarked, “It is our responsibility to connect with communities in the districts and bridge the care gap. With 500 cancer beds across Kolkata, Siliguri, and Ranchi, our Oncology team conducts regular screening camps and awareness sessions to sensitize more people about cancer.”
