Alkem Laboratories, TMC to set up radiotherapy facility in Muzaffarpur
Alkem Laboratories and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) have joined to set up an advanced radiotherapy facility in Muzaffarpur, Bihar as a part of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Center (HBCHRC).
As part of its CSR activity, Alkem Laboratories has approved the purchase of two advanced versions of the teletherapy and brachytherapy units for the cancer care facility at Muzaffarpur.
The advanced radiotherapy facility is said to be developed as a spoke model, which will also offer chemotherapy, minor operation, treatment planning, basic laboratory, and other services.
Sandeep Singh – Managing Director of Alkem Laboratories said: “Cancer has emerged as a major public health concern in India with around 1 million new cases of cancer diagnosed every year. Majority of the cancer care hospitals and centres in India are located in the urban areas, making them less accessible and affordable to the vast majority of our population that resides in the villages and rural areas.
“Through our initiative in collaboration with TMC, we have tried to address this issue. I hope it will make cancer care treatment more accessible for them, who otherwise would have to travel long distance.”
Alkem Laboratories, Tata Memorial Centre to set up radiotherapy facility in Muzaffarpur
For decentralizing the cancer care further, Alkem Laboratories and Tata Memorial Centre have partnered to also set up three mini cancer units in Buxar, Jehanabad, and Bhagalpur in Bihar.
Alkem Laboratories said that the centers will link cancer patients of the three districts by telemedicine to the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Center in Muzaffarpur. Apart from that, the mini cancer units will collaborate with the district administration on community activities like cancer awareness and screening.
Dr. RA Badwe – Director at Tata Memorial Centre said: “The mission of Tata Memorial Centre, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India is to offer affordable and accessible cancer to one and all in India.
“The cancer center in Muzaffarpur is the newest addition to our hospitals in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Sangrur, New Chandigarh, Guwahati and Visakhapatnam. This hospital will bring relief to people of Bihar who have to travel long distances and make huge out of pocket expenses for cancer treatment.
“Addition of a Radiotherapy block with the support of Alkem will help us enhance our capability to treat a larger number of patients with a short waiting time.”