Imphal, the 15th November, 2019 (DIPR) : Governor Dr Najma Heptulla today inaugurated the 14th Annual Conference of Association of Radiation Oncologists of India-NE Chapter at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal as Chief Guest. The annual conference was co-hosted by Oncology Society and American Oncology Institute at Babina Speciality hospital.
Addressing the congregation at the inaugural function, Governor said that cancer disease has become highly endemic in the North-East and Manipur is no exception. Cancer is one of the diseases which can strike any one, irrespective of age, sex, profession or economic status. More and more people in the region are falling prey to this dreaded disease and unfortunately, detection of the disease is done often at a late stage when it is too late for effective treatment and cure. About 80% of cancer patients, at some stage of treatment or the other find themselves struggling to cope with financial requirement for treatment. Hence, the management of finances is a vital issue which needs to be tackled like the treatment of the disease itself. Therefore, I strongly believe that awareness campaign for regular health check-up should remain central to any efforts for countering this disease.
She stated that cancer management calls for a highly specialized team of Doctors such as Radiation, Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, Palliative Care givers, Oncology nurses, etc. The team has to work harmoniously and seamlessly, inter-disciplinary consultancies and tumour boards must be held regularly and adoption of evidence based standard treatment protocols are the hallmarks of a good cancer hospital. Organization of such a Conference is important and essential in the North-East because cancer pattern is different from other parts of the country mainly due to lifestyle and genetic character prevalent in the area.
Governor said this Conference provides a platform for deliberations on the newer aspects of cancer treatment. The fast advancement in the field of Radiation Oncology has immensely benefitted persons suffering from cancer and expressed hope that the Conference attended by 100 Oncologists from all over the country are congregating to dwell not only on the latest advancements but also to look into the aspect of better care for those suffering from cancer.
She also urged Specialists and eminent resource persons in this field to organise such type of Conference regularly with the main objective of creating awareness among the people about the fact that people can survive cancer and the diagnosis of the dreadful disease does not necessarily lead to death.
She also urged cancer survivors, care givers, cancer patients, doctors, advocates, economists, politicians and people from different walks of life should join together to encourage those who are under treatment. It is also a matter of great satisfaction to know that eminent resource persons are also participating in this Conference and will have a fruitful deliberation and explore ways and means to contain and prevent this dreadful disease. She was confident that the contribution of the Association of Radiation Oncologists will certainly help in checking and treating cancer in Manipur for which they should continue their endeavours for fulfillment of what they have targeted.
In his Presidential speech, Dr. Shyam Tsering, President, Association of Radiation Oncologists of India said cancer has become a major global health problem. We must give priorities to cancer care for the patient. He expressed his desire for all North East States to have State cancer policy that can be beneficial and to promote the well being of the people.
Dr. Tomcha Singh Th, Dr. Vikas Jagtap, AROI-NE Chapter, Dr. Dhanabir Thangjam were on the dice in the inaugural function which was attended by Specialist and eminent resource persons.