Dhargal: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dhargal, North Goa, on Wednesday launched the country’s first Joint Integrative Oncology Clinic (Tumour Board), marking a milestone in cancer care by combining modern oncology with AYUSH systems of medicine.
The inaugural clinic was conducted at the newly inaugurated Integrative Oncology Research and Care Centre of AIIA on Wednesday, a senior official said.
He said that four complex cancer cases were presented before a multi-disciplinary panel comprising oncologists, AYUSH experts, and senior researchers.
Patients and their relatives were present during the deliberations and had their queries addressed in detail.
“Each case was evaluated from diverse clinical perspectives, and after comprehensive discussion, the panel reached a consensus on therapeutic and adjuvant treatment options. The initiative aims to offer patients an evidence-based integrative approach to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life,” the official said.
“This is the first-of-its-kind collaboration in India, and it is significant that Goa has taken the lead,” said Dr Shekhar Salkar, senior oncosurgeon at Manipal Hospital, Goa, and member of the Empowered Committee. He added that such clinics will now be held every month, with prior appointments required at the AIIA centre.
The clinic brought together experts such as Dr Shripad D. Banavali, Director (Academics), Tata Memorial Centre; Dr Anuj Kumar, Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre; Dr Sanjay Khedekar, Professor, AIIA; Dr Meenal Joshi, Deputy Director, AYUSH; Dr Mahesh Verlaker, Nodal Officer, National AYUSH Mission; Dr Yogesh Bendale, senior Ayurveda physician; Dr Sneha Bhagwat, Ayurveda physician; Dr Neelesh Korde, Principal, Gomantak Ayurveda College; and Dr Anura Bale, former Principal of the same institution.
Senior oncologists and researchers also participated online, including Prof Emeritus Dr Rajendra Badwe (ACTREC–Tata Memorial Hospital), Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi (Director, ACTREC), Dr Vikram Gota (Nodal Officer, Integrative Oncology, ACTREC) and Dr Manohar Gundetti (CCRAS, ACTREC, TMC).
According to organisers, the effort represents a shared vision of modern and traditional medicine experts to provide holistic cancer care.
Patients attending the first session reported being “immensely benefited” from the exercise, the officials said.
