Kozhikode: Fighting cancer is a nightmare, especially for children. Besides medication and recurring ailments, missing school is often their greatest worry as they crave for the company of friends.
Children undergoing cancer treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital will no longer miss their school. Instead, the school will go to them.
The Institute of Maternal and Children’s Health at the medical college, in association with Nest Care Foundation, has opened a ‘Hospital Learning Centre’ for children undergoing treatment at the institute.
“As a result of years of treatment and hospital life, many of these children fall behind in studies. Some have even dropped out,” M.K. Mohan Kumar, superintendent of the institute, pointed out.
Hospital Learning Centre is a concept that has been successfully put into practice in various developed countries, and it aims at bridging the gap in studies. The other objectives of the programme include ensuring continuation of education in consultation with teachers and providing students and their families the emotional support they desperately need.
Mayor Thottathil Raveendran opened the centre on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, he offered all necessary help from the corporation for the education and social security of ailing children.