The Cancer Institute has been the first to buy the latest equipment related to diagnosis and treatment of cancer because of its ability to take quick decisions and the help from supportive corporate and individual donors who are willing to help, whatever may be the cost. The Institute was the first to introduce the super voltage era in Asia with the installation of the Cobalt Therapy unit `in 1956, to instal an indigenously built Caesium Tele Cure Therapy unit in 1962, to have indigenously designed Therapy Simulator in 1968, and also to introduce Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in 1978. At present, it is the only place where the facility is available. In the same year, it also introduced the first blood compound unit, using the blood cell separator in the supportive treatment of high dose chemotherapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

It also installed the first Intraoperative Radio Therapy (IORT) and Brachy Therapy (CITRON) between 1995 and 1998, and the Clinac 2300 (a), the first conformational therapy unit in 1999, and the Rapid Arc Accelerator in 2009.

The state-of-the-art Accelerator for Radio Therapy, costing Rs.12 crore – with a grant of Rs.6 crore from Government of India – was also inaugurated by the Chief Minister as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

* * *

The hospital has also been very fortunate to have Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a top IT company in the country, providing it a state-of-the-art Hospital Management System 'MED Mantra', and maintaining it totally free. Operational since 2010, MED Mantra has helped the Institute automate all administrative, clinical and nursing, patient admission and transfer and all imaging functions. All the information about a patient is securely stored and is accessible to an authorised doctor at the click of a mouse. This information system, unique to the Institute, enhances the quality of care for all patients besides providing easy access to data for research.

I had the opportunity to see the system in operation when my wife was admitted for treatment at the Institute. Whether it was the specialist medical oncologist or the duty doctor, he or she got complete details of the diagnosis and progress of the treatment at the click of a button, which ensured that every doctor attending on my wife was fully aware of her case.

* * *

Speaking of the philosophy of the hospital, Dr. Shantha said, "The Institute believes in offering the same kind of care to both paying and non-paying patients. Patient care is foremost. Returns are secondary. If the Institute can save a patient with its expertise, it will do so. It will never turn him back because he cannot afford the treatment. Affordable and equitable treatment for all is the mantra at the Cancer Institute."

When I asked her, "After Dr. Shantha, who?",she smiled and said, "The current Director of the Institute, Dr. T. G. Sagar, who himself has been with the Institute for over 40 years, and his team of dedicated doctors, I am sure, will carry on the vision of the founder in the years to come."

As regards the ability of the Institute to continue to provide free service to the poor people, she was happy to report that apart from major donors from across the world, who continue to help the Institute, in recent times both the State and Central Governments have come forward to provide financial grants to the Institute.

The Institute has also been able to get all the cancer related drugs at very special rates from the manufacturers without taxes and VATs. This helps the Institute to offer drugs free or at highly subsidised rates to patients.

* * *

"The cancer institute will be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee next year (2014). At the same time, I will be also completing my association with the hospital for 60 years, " said Dr. Shantha with a sense of pride and fulfilment in her eyes. The year-long celebrations include conducting Medical Education Seminars and Major Medical Meetings throughout Tamil Nadu.

I came back from the interview with the confidence that the Institute will continue to make new strides in Cancer care, with the team of dedicated doctors and support staff it rightly and truly boasts of.

(Concluded)

Feedback welcome on rvrajan42@gmail.com