New facility for cancer care in South Odisha: Chemotherapy now available at Berhampur SUM Hospital

In a significant advancement in cancer care in south Odisha, the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital at Sitalapalli in Berhampur has started administration of chemotherapy to patients marking a new era of comprehensive cancer treatment in the region.

With the launching of this initiative, patients will now be able to receive advanced cancer treatment locally without the need to travel to distant cities reducing both financial and logistical burden on the families.

The introduction of chemotherapy facility locally will not only save time and money, but also provide patients with timely care for effective cancer management, Mr. Deba Prasad Dash, Director of the hospital, said.

IMS and SUM Hospital at Sitalapalli is already offering free oncology consultation for cancer patients at weekly camps held on Saturdays and Sundays. While oncology medicine camp is held on Saturdays, oncology surgery consultation is available on Sundays. These free consultation facility aims to provide patients with expert guidance on treatment options, surgery and chemotherapy plans, Mr. Dash said.

The hospital’s oncology team comprises highly experienced specialists offering personalized care tailored to each patient’s condition and need. With the introduction of chemotherapy treatment, the patients can now access the full spectrum of cancer treatment at one location ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care, he said.

One of the first beneficiaries of these services has been a 25-year-old young man who was diagnosed with stage-3 rectal cancer with the tumour having spread to nearby lymph nodes. The condition called for a combination of treatments including chemotherapy and surgery. Having undergone the first line of chemotherapy, the patient was now receiving the second line treatment regimen comprising a combination of chemotherapy with targeted therapy, all provided under one roof, he said.

“We are committed to provide advanced cancer care to the needy in Berhampur and its neighbouring areas. The introduction of chemotherapy service combined with our ongoing free oncology consultation camps every week ensures that patients receive high quality and timely attention close to their home,” Mr. Dash said.