Cancer day care centre to open at Chamba medical college

Cancer patients in Chamba district will soon be able to receive chemotherapy and related treatment closer to home, as a Cancer Day Care Centre is set to open at Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital.

Over 1,500 cancer patients are currently registered in the district, according to health department data, and at present depend on medical institutions outside the district for treatment. Once operational, the new centre would provide consultation, investigations and chemotherapy services locally, reducing the need for travel.

The medical college has placed an initial order for cancer medicines worth Rs 10 lakh. The process to appoint the required staff, including medical officers and nurses, has also begun. A separate monitoring system will be established to manage emergencies and ensure patient safety.

The centre would function under the supervision of cancer specialist Dr Aarti Mahajan. All procedures, including outpatient consultations and chemotherapy, would be carried out in accordance with prescribed medical protocols.

Hospital officials said a cancer day care centre enables patients to receive chemotherapy, targeted therapy and supportive care without overnight admission. Patients can arrive in the morning for treatment and return home the same day, an arrangement particularly beneficial for those undergoing multiple cycles of chemotherapy.

Space for the facility has been identified on the second floor of the new hospital building, where beds and essential equipment will be installed to provide treatment in a safe environment.

Medical College Principal Dr Pankaj Gupta said the procurement of medicines, installation of equipment and deployment of trained staff had been initiated to ensure the centre becomes functional soon.

Dr Mahajan said the priority would be safe treatment, close monitoring and psychological support so that patients can continue therapy without interruption.