The Business Bytes
Kolkata, November 7, 2024 (TBB Bureau): On National Cancer Awareness Day, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, one of Kolkata’s premier healthcare providers, spotlighted the essential role of NGOs in improving access to modern cancer care for economically disadvantaged patients. The hospital hosted an impactful panel discussion, “The Role of NGOs in Bridging the Gap in Cancer Care Accessibility,” to explore how collaborations between NGOs and private healthcare providers can make critical cancer treatments more accessible and affordable.
The panel featured representatives from well-regarded NGOs, including Rotary, Fight Cancer, Cancer Fight Foundation, Jadavpur Pension Association, Gauri Bari Welfare, Cankids, and Dinante. Moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Subir Ganguly, Senior Consultant and Advisor in Radiation Oncology, the discussion provided a platform for these organizations to share insights on their contributions to cancer care. Cancer survivors were also present, underscoring the life-changing impact of NGO support.
Aligned with this year’s National Cancer Awareness Day theme, “Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment,” the event underscored the urgency of addressing financial barriers that prevent timely cancer diagnosis and treatment. NGOs have proven instrumental in alleviating these barriers by partnering with private hospitals to subsidize medical expenses, offer free screenings, and provide essential support services.
Prof. (Dr.) Subir Ganguly remarked, “Every year, we lose countless lives to cancer, and unfortunately, financial limitations prevent many from accessing necessary treatments. NGOs play a crucial role in making cancer care more accessible by covering costs and providing free services such as screenings. They not only ease the financial burden but also offer emotional support and practical assistance, from counseling to nutrition advice and transport for patients. At Medica, we are proud of our partnerships with these organizations, which have allowed us to extend cancer care to many who otherwise couldn’t afford it. We look forward to expanding these collaborations further in the future to reach even more patients.”
Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals (East), added, “Cancer poses a tremendous challenge to our society, and as healthcare providers, our mission is to make treatment affordable and accessible to all who need it. Our longstanding partnerships with NGOs have helped ease the financial burdens for many patients, enabling them to receive the care they deserve. We remain committed to supporting our patients and their families in every way possible through these crucial collaborations.”
The discussion highlighted the ongoing efforts of NGOs to raise cancer awareness and provide a support network that includes preventive education, financial aid, and access to critical treatments. Medica Superspecialty Hospital’s event served as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to make cancer care universally accessible, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between private hospitals and NGOs in the fight against cancer.
