GUWAHATI : Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi dedicated a CT Scan machine and a high-dose rate Radio-Isotope Therapy facility in the Nuclear Medicine Ward at the total cost of Rs.5.70 crores as a part of commemorating one year of taking over of Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute by the Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India at a function held at B. Borooah Cancer Institute here Tuesday.
The Governor said that, “The incidence of cancer is very high in the North Eastern Region and there are very limited cancer treatment facilities available in the region. Empowerment of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) as a centre of excellence through the Department of Atomic Energy and Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai will greatly benefit the State of Assam and the North Eastern Region.”
Prof. Mukhi said, “We must not allow the cancer to set in through adopting some healthy life style narratives. Though cancer is not directly linked with life style, the Governor maintained that the probable causative factors which contribute to cancer must be dealt with strongly. The government along with other stake holders must put strong deterrent to check the growth of cancer.”
Sharing information that tobacco consumption in Assam witnessed an increase from 39 per cent in 2010 to 48.5 per cent in 2017, Governor Prof. Mukhi said that the rising trend of tobacco consumption was really a matter of concern which every stakeholder needed to take the responsibility to reverse the trend. He at the same time said that it was the duty of all the conscientious citizens to take responsibility so that the young generation did not fall prey to the scourge of tobacco and liquor consumption.
The Governor however, expressed happiness to learn that Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute(BBCI) has adopted a holistic approach to cancer treatment by integrating meditation and yoga, psychological counseling, various recreational programme, prayer, music, site seeing etc. as essential components of complete care management. “Home care services for terminally ill cancer patients in the city of Guwahati and guest house facility for patients coming from different places are praiseworthy steps taken by the Institute,” the Governor added.
In a bid to create a band of doctors trained in latest technology in oncology, BBCI has started various Post Graduate and Super Specialty courses which are recognized by Medical Council of India. Students who will pass out from BBCI will be able to render their services in the upcoming 19 new Cancer Hospitals in the State of Assam.