Kathua: Launching the first-ever state-of-the-art Tata Memorial Center (TMC) Mumbai in the new block of Govt Medical College in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, is a significant development. Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, announced that this facility will serve the three territories of J&K, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. This achievement represents a major step towards enhancing medical services in the region. The much needed Day-care Chemotherapy Unit, 300 LPM Oxygen Plant and Maternal ICU at GMC Kathua is established.
During a launch, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ‘With increasing lifespan, changing lifestyles, environmental factors etc, the prevalence of cancer is assuming epidemic proportions and cancers of all nature and all organs are happening everywhere. A Tata satellite Cancer care facility in Kathua will therefore prove to be a great boon for the region, he said.
Adding, he said, ‘Kathua-Udhampur-Doda’ Parliamentary Constituency could be the future ‘Health Circuit’ of India with state-of-the-art Healthcare Facilities like 3 Medical Colleges, North India’s First Biotech Park etc. And, with the establishment of Day-care Chemotherapy (Onco-care) Unit at GMC Kathua today, cancer treatment is going to become accessible and affordable as the missing link has been completed today for affordable and accessible cancer treatment in the area.’
Satellite hospitals and facilities of Tata Memorial Centre have been established in various parts of the country, including Guwahati. In Guwahati, Onco DM and MCH super specialty courses have also been initiated. Similar options could be considered for Kathua in the future.
Onco-care at GMC Kathua is set to undergo upgrades in the forthcoming years. This includes the provision of Onco DM and MCH seats, as well as the invitation of world-class cancer specialists for treatment, lectures, and seminars. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of care provided, ensuring a professional, engaging, and informative experience for patients and medical professionals alike.
On the treatment of various types of cancers, Dr. Singh said, India has taken a lead in the production of vaccines for the prevention of malignancies like ‘CERVAVAC’ as the Biotechnology sector in India is growing by leaps and bounds as India is set to achieve $150 billion Bio-Economy by 2025, which stood at over $100 billion in 2022.
The importance of accessible and affordable healthcare in India can be seen in the significant progress made in the medical field. Over 260 new medical colleges have been established, resulting in a 79% increase in MBBS seats and a 93% increase in PG seats over the past 9 years. Additionally, the approval of 22 AIIMS institutions showcases the commitment to improving healthcare. This transition from a sectoral approach to a comprehensive, need-based healthcare system has positioned India as a role model in crisis management and preventive healthcare.
DDC Vice-chairman, Kathua, Sh. Raghunandan Singh Bablu, DC Kathua, Sh. Rakesh Minhas, K K Parashar of Paytm Foundation, Neraj Goud of Maha Manav Malviya Mission, Sunil Kumar Gupta, GM J&K Bank, CGM NABARD, Sh. Bala Modi Sridhar, Principal GMC Kathua, Medical Superintendent GMC Kathua were present during the occasion.
