Separate cancer department to be launched at PMCH in April

Patna: Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) is set to launch a separate cancer department in April, bringing multiple treatment services under one roof for patients in the state capital.

The new department is expected to begin functioning from April 6 at the hospital’s central unit building. It will provide daily outpatient services for cancer patients along with radiotherapy and chemotherapy facilities, according to PMCH superintendent Dr Rajiva Kumar Singh.

Dr Singh said the move was aimed at improving treatment facilities and making better use of the expertise already available at the hospital. PMCH had appointed four specialists for cancer care two years ago, including one gynaecologic oncologist, two surgical oncologists and one medical oncologist. Until now, these specialists had been attached to different departments, with the gynaecologic oncologist working under the gynaecology department and the surgical oncologists under the surgery department.

“We thought of making the maximum use of expertise available with us and hence decided to come with a separate department,” Dr Singh said.

The department will initially have 25 beds, including 20 for radiotherapy and five for chemotherapy. In addition, five chemotherapy beds equipped with oxygen support will be reserved in the emergency department. Hospital authorities said the number of beds would be increased depending on future requirements.

The outpatient department will function six days a week, ensuring regular access to consultation and follow-up care for cancer patients. The establishment of a dedicated cancer wing is expected to reduce the need for patients to move between multiple departments for diagnosis, consultation and treatment.

The decision is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening cancer care services at PMCH, one of Bihar’s largest govt hospitals. With radiotherapy, chemotherapy and specialist consultation available in a single department, the hospital aims to provide more organised and accessible treatment for patients seeking cancer care.