Junior doctors shun Cochin Cancer Research Centre early detection camps

KOCHI: Are the new gen doctors not socially committed? The lukewarm response from students who have completed house-surgeoncy to the initiative of the Cochin Cancer Research Centre (CCRC) to help it conduct early cancer detection camps in Kalamassery and nearby areas seems to once again suggest that. In fact none of the 35 junior doctors who were given a one-day initial training a month ago have turned up since despite calls from CCRC.

Eminent oncologist from the Unites States, Dr M V Pillai had inaugurated this training programme and he had given an inspiring speech to the upcoming doctors on how to serve society better and how to be the friend and saviour of the depressed cancer patients. “The aim was to conduct the camps to detect cervical cancer, oral cancer and breast cancer initially using our limited facilities in the OP wing. We had decided to reach out to the maximum population in Ernakulam and adjoining districts,” said an official of the CCRC.

“The junior doctors drawn from public health centres and some of those who had completed house surgeoncy at Ernakulam General Hospital too were roped in for the first training programme. After the one-day training, we planned to give them hands-on training in the first five camps before using their services fully. We had also promised them a handsome remuneration as part of the drive. But as a sad commentary on the social commitment of the new generation, none turned up later when we reached out to them for conducting the camps,” said the official. She said that the help of the doctors was essential for such camps to take off and they were still looking for a positive outcome