National accreditation for Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will launch an ambitious Rs 120 core development plan for Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) here besides declaring it as State Cancer Institute.

The Union Minister will hand over National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) accreditation certificate to RCC which is the first cancer institute in government sector to receive this recognition. Dr Harsh Vardhan will inaugurate two modern radiotherapy machines at the Centre.

Chief Minister Mr Oommen Chandy will hand over a memorandum to the Union Minister seeking national institute of excellence status for RCC.

RCC which caters to patients from entire Kerala, neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and even Maldives, had registered 2,49,362  patients between 1981 and 2011.

During 2012-13 period the centre provided specialized care to over two lakh patients including 14,985 new patients.

The RCC has also successfully i implemented financial support programmes for providing specialist treatment to 14,634 patients including  5033 new patients.

Treatment worth Rs 23 crores were given through schemes like cancer suraksha, Chis Plus, Karunya Benevolent Fund, Thalolam, comprehensive health care scheme for SC/ST and Snehasanthvanam for endosulfan victims.

259 cancer detection programmes and 155 cancer awareness programmes held.

Many facilities were introduced last year including anaesthetic facilities in brachy therapy theatre and also for children undergoing MRI scan, clinical laboratory was upgraded with 5 part haematology analyser, in patient pharmacy services and round the clock pharmacy services were introduced, round the clock chemotherapy service  and bio gas plant for zero level waste management.

RCC based NGOs like Prathyasa, Ashraya and care plus are also doing a commendable job. Prathyasa joined hands with Delhi based CANKIDS to set up Sukurtam - a "home away from home" environment for paediatric patients in proximity with centre.