Need for ‘Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Centre’
Incidence of Cancer all over the world is on high. Recent advances in prevention and treatment of Cancer have made phenomenal progress. However certain side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy limit the benefits. Treatment of 3000 patients since establishment of 'Cancer Research Project' in 1994 with supplementary Ayurvedic treatment to allopathic methods have given us promising results.
It is therefore thought that if integrated approach is adapted towards prevention and treatment of Cancer, it will go a long way in reducing the cost of treatment and improving the quality of life of all Cancer patients, particularly patients below poverty line.
The cost of Cancer treatment with newer intervention and therapies is getting out of reach of common man. This project will aim at providing preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative services under one roof by combined efforts of allopathic and Ayurvedic experts. Research will be the integral part of this project.
Highlights of the ‘Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Centre’
Satellite Cancer treatment facilities will be available at Wagholi (Pune), Mumbai and Solapur.
Comprehensive assessment of patients from Ayurvedic view like Trividha pariksha, Ashtavidha pariksha along with modern parameters.
Integration of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery along with Ayurvedic treatment to minimize side effects will be available under one roof.
Imparting Shaman, Rasayana and Panchakarma treatment for controlling progression of the disease and increasing resistance against the disease.
Identifying causative factors of Cancer from Ayurvedic point of view and thus emphasizing awareness on lifestyle modification for prevention of Cancer in the society.
Following departments and facilities will be available under one roof at 'Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Centre' -
Cancer Surgical Unit.
Cancer Radiotherapy Unit.
Cancer Chemotherapy Unit.
Cancer O. P. D. (Out Patient Department).
I. P. D. (Indoor Patients Department) for Cancer Patients.
Intensive Care Unit.
Ayurvedic Unit.
Nidan (Diagnosis).
Shaman Chikitsa.
Panchakarma.
Rasayana Chikitsa.
Diet.
Ayurvedic Pharmacy.
Mind – Body Medicine Unit.
Terminal Care Unit.
Hostel for ambulatory Cancer patients and their relatives.
Community education programme for Cancer.
CME (Continuing Medical Education) for general practitioners.
Clinical and Epidemiological Research on prevention and treatment of Cancer.
Components of the Project (Future plans)
Cancer Surgical Unit
Well equipped, ultra modern operation theatre along with pre and post operative management will be made available for diagnostic and therapeutic surgeries by experienced Cancer surgeons.
Cancer Radiotherapy Unit
Radiation unit equipped with latest advanced technology in radiation will be available. The treatment will be given under the guidance of expert oncologists. The unit will be co-ordinated by Dr. Arvind Kulkarni, Ex–H.O.D. Radiation Oncology Department of Bombay Hospital.
Cancer Chemotherapy Unit
A state of art chemotherapy unit will be developed under the supervision of experts in chemotherapy.
Cancer Diagnostic Unit
Diagnostic techniques like histopathology, cytology, tumour markers and blood chemistry will be carried out in well equipped laboratory. Other imaging techniques like Sonography, X – ray, CT scan, MRI and PET scan will be made available at proposed Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Centre. Qualified and experienced pathologists and radiologists experienced in oncology will be appointed for this unit.
Cancer O. P. D.
Cancer OPDs will be established separately in all three centers. Detail comprehensive case papers and related documents of each patient will be maintained.
Cancer I. P. D.
Well equipped wards will be available for in patient department of Cancer patients.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Ultra modern ICU with all facilities will be developed for taking care of Cancer patients.
Ayurvedic Unit
This unit will work in four departments as follows:-
Diagnosis (Nidana)
Detail case history of each patient from Ayurvedic approach will be taken.
A separate unit will be developed for Ashtavidha Pariksha (Eight fold examination) of the patient.
i. e. Nadi, Mutra, Mala, Jivha, Shabda, Sparsha, Druk and Aakruti.
Study of Hetu (Causative factors), Lakshana (Signs and symptoms) and Nidana (Diagnosis) will be carried out from Ayurvedic point of view.
Treatment (Chikitsa)
Three types of treatment will be given according to the condition and disease of the patient.
(1)
Palliative Treatment (Shaman Chikitsa)
It includes – oral medicines for Deepana, Pachana in the form of Churna, Guti, Avaleha, Kwatha, Ghruta etc.
A separate unit for Panchakarma will be constructed in which all types of Snehana, thirteen types of Swedana, different suitable type of Panchakarma and specially prepared diet regimen in Samsarjanakrama will be available. This variety of treatment needs hospitalization for rest and observation. A 25 bedded hospital will be constructed for this purpose.
(3)
Rejuvenating Treatment (Rasayana Chikitsa)
Patients, who are already taking Ayurvedic treatment in our centre for three years and in whom the disease is well controlled, will be put on Rasayana Chikitsa.It will be given in two forms :-
Vatatapik Rasayana on outdoor basis.
Kutipraveshik Rasayana on indoor basis.
Aahara (Ayurvedic Diet)
Ayurvedic diet, which is suitable for the stage of the disease and prakriti of the patient, will be given with the guidance of Ayurvedic dietician.
Aushadhi Nirman Kendra (Pharmacy)
The medicines used for Cancer patients in this project for Ayurvedic treatment will be prepared in Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust’s own pharmacy.
Mind – Body Medicine Unit
Results of Cancer treatment are improved with proper attention to mind and body relationship. Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama etc. will be taught to the patient to serve this purpose. Group therapy and psychotherapy for patients and relatives will also be given for building their confidence in this counseling unit.
Terminal Care Unit
A separately located terminal care unit for advanced Cancer patients is also proposed.
Identification of different problems of these patients will be done.
Nursing care and symptomatic treatment will be provided.
Assistance in their daily activities will be provided.
Medical and para medical staff in this unit will be trained to enable them to deal with Cancer patients and their relatives.
Hostel for ambulatory Cancer patients and their relatives
Outstation patients who are under radiation or chemotherapy need a place to stay during the treatment period. For the convenience of such patients and their relatives we wish to build a hostel.
Community Education Programme
Various target groups will be identified.
Community education will be given for prevention and early detection of Cancer.
Disseminations of information on Cancer preventions through brochures, booklets, leaflets, charts, audio – video cassettes, CDs will be provided.
CME Programme
CME Programme will be organised on various topics related to Cancer prevention and treatment for general practitioners, research workers and other physicians.
Management and Organisation of Project
In charge of each activity will be appointed.
Interdepartmental feedback meetings will be arranged.
Linkage system for referral of patients for further investigations will be developed.
Monitoring and evaluation of patients by team approach consisting of Ayurvedic and allopathic consultants will be done periodically.
Computerised proforma for each patient will be developed.
Project officer will be appointed for overall supervision and administration of the project.
The proposed centre will provide infrastructure facilities for :-
i)
Training of students, physicians and research workers.
ii)
Providing clinical research facilities for better understanding of Cancer particularly in Indian scenario.
iii)
Helping education and awareness about Cancer problem with emphasis on healthy lifestyle.
Sustainability of project
The finance required for Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Centre will be borne with the help of following sources -
i)
Donations, which are exempted under section 35 (1) (ii) of I.T. Act.
ii)
Collection of fees from patients.
iii)
Sponsorship for equipments.
iv)
Funding from Department of Ministry of Health and Family welfare under National Cancer Control Programme – for radiotherapy unit.
Project Cost
The project will be constructed on 1,57,000 sq. ft. area. The land is made available by Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust for the ‘Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Centre’. Capital cost required for building 50 bedded hospital, different units, departments, hostels is estimated as Rs. 15,06,85,000/-. Estimated cost required for developing necessary facilities is Rs. 6,81,79,000/-. This amount will be utilised for equipments and infra structure necessary for well equipped Panchakarma unit, Pharmacy, Plantation of medicinal herbs necessary for preparing authentic Ayurvedic medicines, Diagnostic center, Operation theater, Radiation, Chemotherapy units, ICU, Terminal care units, Necessary furniture and fixtures in hospital and ambulances. So the total capital cost is Rs. 21,88,64,000/-. Recurring cost for each year is estimated as Rs. 3,11,36,000/-. This amount will be utilised for medicines, contingency, subsidies and remuneration for medical, para medical and other necessary staff. So the total cost of the project comes out as follows :-
