Belagavi: In a major step to improve access to cancer care across Karnataka, the State government has decided to establish daycare chemotherapy centres in all district hospitals, Medical Education Minister Dr Sharanaprakash Patil informed the Legislative Council.
Aim to Decentralise Cancer Treatment
Replying to a question raised by MLC Kushalappa MP, the Minister said the initiative is aimed at decentralising cancer treatment services and reducing the patient load on the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru.
Collaboration With Kidwai Institute
Dr Patil stated that in collaboration with the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, the government has already initiated steps to establish cancer centres in multiple districts, ensuring patients receive treatment closer to their homes.
Treatment Statistics at Kidwai
Providing details, the Minister said that over the past three years, more than forty thousand cancer patients have received treatment at Kidwai. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, patients were treated through surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods.
Surgeries, Radiation and Chemotherapy
Between the years two thousand twenty-two and two thousand twenty-four, several thousand patients underwent surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In addition, over a hundred patients were provided bone marrow transplants free of cost at the institute.
Upgradation of Kalaburagi Centre
Dr Patil also informed the House that the Peripheral Cancer Centre at Kalaburagi, established decades ago, is currently being upgraded. Administrative approval has been granted, and civil construction work for the project is in progress.
New Regional Cancer Centres Approved
Administrative sanction has been accorded for setting up regional cancer centres in Mysuru, Tumakuru, Shivamogga, and Belagavi. Similar approvals have been given for cancer centres within the Super Speciality Hospital premises at Raichur and the Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences.
Existing and Upcoming Facilities
The Minister noted that cancer treatment facilities are already functional at medical institutes in Hassan, Ballari, and Hubballi. Steps are also underway to begin cancer treatment services soon at medical colleges in Mandya and Karwar, further strengthening the state’s cancer care network.
