Oncology unit at MGMMCH yet to become operational

Jamshedpur: The cancer unit, which was formally inaugurated at state-run Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College Hospital (MGMMCH) on Feb 19 this year, is yet to become operational.

Cancer patients from Steel City and other parts of Kolhan division coming to MGMMCH are returning without treatment as the new unit does not have any oncologists or medical staff.

“Necessary medical equipment for cancer cure is also not present,” said a junior doctor. “Nearly 3,000 cancer patients every year from the three districts of Kolhan are referred for treatment to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, as MGMMCH doesn’t have oncologists along with a dedicated unit for cancer treatment,” the doctor said, requesting anonymity.

Cancer survivor Jayee Dutta said, “As the oncology department is not functional at MGMMCH, I have to go to Ranchi for my tests and treatment.” Similar problem was echoed by another patient Sukhina Murmu.

MGMMCH principal Dr Sanjay Kumar said, “Oncologists will be hired for the new cancer unit soon and necessary medical equipment will be installed. Patients will soon get cancer treatment here.” Meanwhile, MGMMCH, the biggest govt hospital in Kolhan, divisional will get a fully equipped pathology laboratory next month. Kumar said, “After the central pathology laboratory becomes functional in April, patients will benefit a lot. They will not have to get medical tests done from private laboratories.”

“This will be beneficial for on duty doctors as they can quickly treat patients as all medical tests can be done on campus, “ said Kumar.