Regional cancer centre proposed at Hubballi to help patients from North Karnataka

Hubballi

A proposal was submitted to the state govt for establishing a regional cancer centre at Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMC-RI), a crucial healthcare provider for North Karnataka.

With over 7,000 cancer patients admitted annually, demand is growing for upgraded infrastructure and enhanced facilities. Citizens are urging the govt to prioritise this in the upcoming state budget.

KMC-RI Director Dr SF Kammar submitted a comprehensive report to the govt to further strengthen the existing cancer department by upgrading it and providing necessary facilities. Every year, more than 7,000 cancer patients are admitted for treatment. About 3,000 outpatients are undergoing treatment. Major surgeries are performed on 500 people, and minor surgeries are performed on 700 people. Currently, three cancer surgeons, two radiation specialists, four nurses, and three ward staff are working in the cancer department on a shift basis.

This treatment unit, which has a capacity of only 50 beds, is seeing a surge in the number of patients, necessitating their admission to other wards for treatment. This makes it a challenging task to provide appropriate treatment when needed.

Dr SF Kammar told that apart from the Kidwai Cancer Hospital in Bengaluru, there is no large government hospital in the state that treats cancer. Hubli is the centre of North Karnataka, and if a regional cancer centre is opened here, it will benefit patients from eight neighbouring districts, he said.

Kammar said that a proposal was submitted requesting the government to provide an estimated grant of Rs 92 crore to start a regional cancer centre. If it materialises, the poor and middle-class people of this area will not have to go to Bengaluru for cancer-related treatment. We are expecting that the government will approve, he said.