The Cancer Institute (WIA) will soon be declared one of the 20 apex cancer institutes in the country, with the final approval expected in a week or so, according to J. Radhakrishnan, State secretary (Health and Family Welfare).
“The process is at an advanced stage of approval from the Centre, and once it is complete, the Institute will receive Rs. 120 crore in funding from the Centre,” he said, at the Cancer Institute Annual Reunion on Sunday.
The day is celebrated every year to bring together cancer survivors to spread the message that cancer is curable.
Speaking on the day, K.P. Geetakrishnan, retired IAS officer, spoke of his experience, having suffered from three different primary cancers — prostrate, thyroid and lung. “All three cancers were detected by chance when doctors were investigating other illnesses. It was only when they diagnosed my thyroid cancer that I realised I had had cancer for 20 years,” he said.
He suggested that more publicity be given on the early warning signs for every form of cancer so patients know when to come for diagnosis.
The guest of honour, Somasundaram Subramanian, Director, Eurasian Federation of Oncology , spoke of the need for cancer survivors and doctors from the country to come together to help spread awareness and improve the quality of medical care given.
Chairperson of the Cancer Institute V. Shantha received the ‘Best Organisation Award’ from Chennai Turns Pink, an organisation dedicated to spreading awareness on breast cancer.
After the process, it will receive Rs. 120 crore funding
