Dona Paula: Manipal Hospital (MH), Goa, in association with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Goa State Branch, organized an event to commemorate World Cancer Day.
The event aimed to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage a dialogue on the prevention and detection of cancer and to reduce the Care Gap. At the event, the hospital expressed solidarity with those fighting the dreaded disease. Dr. Sandesh Chodankar President-IMA Goa State Branch for 2024 was the chief guest.
The event underscored Manipal Hospital’s dedication to transforming Goa to reduce the Care Gap in the state. In a symbolic gesture, Manipal Hospital Goa distributed gifts to the patients from the daycare unit who were undergoing cancer treatment.
According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the number of cancer cases is expected to rise from 14.61 lakh in 2022 to 15.7 lakh in 2025. In light of this statistic, Manipal Hospital carried out this initiative to empower the fight against cancer. Cancer survivors along with the chief guest Dr. Sandesh Chodankar spoke about the journey of the cancer warriors to spread the message and create hope for those suffering from cancer.
On this occasion, Dr Sandesh Chodankar President-IMA Goa State Branch for 2024, said, “We stand at the forefront of a united effort to combat cancer, and IMA Goa State Branch Supports the resolution to fight this dreaded disease and reduce the Gap in Care of Cancer Patients. He further said the program emphasized the importance of unity in the fight against cancer, to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. On this World Cancer Day, together, we stand resolute he said, in reducing the burden of this formidable adversary, raising awareness, and being in solidarity with those bravely facing the fight.”
Besides Dr. Sandesh Chodankar, Shri. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director and Unit Head, Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of Oncology Department and Senior Consultant Onco Surgeon, Dr. Jacob George, Consultant Medical Oncology, Dr Gunjan Baijal, Consultant Radiation Oncology, Dr. Mahadeva Swamy, Consultant, Haemato Oncology with specialisation in Bone Marrow Transplant, Dr. Sredharan M, Consultant Onco Surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Mhatre Consultant-Nuclear Medicine, PET-CT and Nuclear Theranostics, Dr. Aditya Gosawi – Medical Superintendent, and, Shri. Hari Prasad – Sales and Marketing Head, Manipal Hospitals Goa, were present at the event.
On this occasion a Health Talk by Dr Shekhar Salkar was delivered on the Topic “Breast Cancer, an Overview”.
Mr. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director & Unit Head, Manipal Hospitals Goa said, “I am immensely proud to be associated with an institution that is not just dedicated to providing exemplary healthcare but is also making a real impact. Our collaboration with the IMA Goa State Branch for World Cancer Day is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our community. Through this event, we aim to reduce the impact of cancer, raise crucial awareness, and express our support to those battling cancer.”
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of Oncology Dept. and Senior Consultant Onco Surgeon, Manipal Hospitals Goa, said, “Witnessing the resilience of cancer survivors is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. This year, as we share the gifts with chemotherapy patients, let it symbolize not just sustenance for the body but also a reminder that they are not alone in their journey. Together, as healthcare providers and a community, let us continue to bring healing, hope, and a brighter future to all those affected by cancer.”
Dr Salkar said “Manipal Hospitals Goa is the only Hospital in Goa providing comprehensive Cancer treatment under one roof for all cancer patients in Goa.
The event kicked off with a cake-cutting ceremony by cancer patients in the Radiation Department. Besides that, the organizing team, along with Dr. Sandesh Chodankar, distributed gifts to the patients from the daycare unit who were undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, the hospital organized a Cancer Awareness Program in which both the doctors and patients participated. The event concluded with cancer survivors being felicitated, who in turn shared their experiences with the audience.
