TEZU, Nov 11: In a significant step towards strengthening cancer care facilities in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, a Day Care Cancer Centre (DCCC) was inaugurated at Zonal General Hospital (ZGH), Tezu today, with local MLA Dr Mohesh Chai making the launch.
Addressing the gathering, the MLA described the inauguration as a historic achievement, stating that the Day Care Cancer Centre was the first facility of its kind in Arunachal Pradesh and would significantly strengthen healthcare services in the eastern region of the state.
He emphasized that the establishment of the centre at Tezu would substantially reduce the financial and travel burdens faced by patients and their families, who previously had to travel long distances to access chemotherapy and other cancer-related services.
The MLA stated, under the treatment arrangement outlined for the centre, the first and final cycles of chemotherapy would be undertaken at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, while eligible patients could receive intermediate treatment cycles at the DCCC, Tezu, as advised by the treating specialists.
Reflecting on the development and transformation of ZGH Tezu, the MLA highlighted the considerable improvements in healthcare infrastructure, availability of doctors and medical facilities over the years.
He urged doctors and healthcare professionals to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, compassion and a genuine spirit of service. Reminding them of the values embodied in the Hippocratic Oath, he encouraged them to make every possible effort to address patients' medical concerns at the local level, wherever feasible, while ensuring appropriate referrals when required.
Acknowledging the existing challenges and requirements of the hospital, the MLA assured that efforts would continue to address them gradually and systematically, with the ultimate objective of developing ZGH into one of the best healthcare institutions in the State.
Stressing that the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Arunachal can not be realized without healthy citizens, he reiterated that strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality medical services remained among his foremost priorities.
Speaking on the occasion, Lohit Deputy Commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo highlighted the importance of the DCCC in bringing essential cancer care services closer to the people, particularly those residing in remote areas of the district.
He urged doctors and healthcare professionals to adopt a compassionate and empathetic approach towards cancer patients, emphasizing that medical treatment should be accompanied by emotional support, encouragement and reassurance.
Earlier, Dr Rina Mena, Nodal Officer of the DCCC, briefed the gathering on the objectives, functioning, operational procedures and facilities envisaged under the Day Care Cancer Centre initiative. She explained that the DCCC is designed to bring cancer treatment closer to patients by facilitating chemotherapy and supportive care on a day-care basis, thereby reducing the need for repeated travel to tertiary healthcare institutions.
Under the prescribed guidelines, patients are initially evaluated at a designated mentor institution like TRIHMS, where oncologists determine their treatment plans and administer the first cycle of chemotherapy. Based on the patient's clinical condition and risk assessment, subsequent eligible chemotherapy cycles may be administered at the DCCC under established medical protocols.
Dr Mena outlined the procedures for patient registration, medical evaluation, chemotherapy administration, monitoring and follow-up. She also highlighted patient safety, counselling and referral arrangements with higher centres for specialized treatment and management of complications.
The day-care model is intended to allow suitable patients to receive treatment and return home the same day, subject to medical assessment, thereby minimizing prolonged hospitalisation and reducing the financial burden on patients and their families.
The establishment of the Day Care Cancer Centre marks an important milestone in decentralising specialised healthcare services and is expected to bring much-needed relief to cancer patients and their families across Lohit and neighbouring districts of eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
The inauguration was attended by M T Khirmey, District Medical Officer; T Kena, Medical Superintendent; BJP District president Gamso Bellai; ZPMs Baplalum Chiba (Tezu) & Gulabso Bellai (Sunpura); doctors, healthcare professionals and other dignitaries. (DIPRO)