Crisis of Covid-19 not stopped healthcare professionals from performing their duties with utmost diligence and care

Dharamshala: “The crisis of covid-19 has not stopped the healthcare professionals from performing their duties with utmost diligence and care.” This was stated by Prof. Bhanu Awasthi, Principal. Dr. RP Govt. Medical College Tanda near Dharamshala, on the eve of the World cancer day. The World cancer day is celebrated each year on 4th February, keeping in the mind the goal of creating awareness among masses about cancer care and prevention. Various events are organized around the globe to educate the people about this disease, its causes and possible preventive measures. The cumulative goal of all this is to establish a mindset that we all as a society can fight this disease and defeat it.

Dr Awasthi stated that the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology at Dr. RPGMC Tanda, Kangra H.P. is giving its services in fighting cancer since 2011. The department is responsible for Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Palliative Care of cancer patients. All three units are looked after by a team of well trained and experienced Oncologists. The department is equipped with world class technology for radiotherapy treatment delivery, treatment planning and radiation dosimetry. The department has a high energy medical linear accelerator for highly conformal and focused radiation therapy treatment. A CT simulator is being utilized for routine radiotherapy simulation of the patients. Along with this, there is a specialized and dedicated 32-bedded Chemotherapy Ward in the department facilitating the patients from all around the state. The palliative care unit is handled by the team of oncologists trained on a national level palliative care program.

“During the COVID-19 health crisis the department under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Muninder Negi has attended to over 11600 patients on OPD basis, more than 8000 patients in day care and chemotherapy and over 550 patients were treated on radiotherapy,” said Prof. Awasthi.  The department pledges to act on the theme “I am and I will” and its core values of “Patient First”, “Innovation”, “Learning and Growing”, and “One Team” to create awareness among people and fight against cancer.