Una hospital cancer unit still Covid ward, patients suffer

RAJESH SHARMA

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UNA, JULY 20

The cancer and palliative care ward, which was created two years ago at Rs 2 lakh at the Una District Hospital, is being used as an isolation ward for Covid patients, while cancer patients have been without treatment for the last one-and-a-half years.

About three years ago, the Health Department had approved cancer care at the hospital. About 250 patients got themselves registered. As there was no separate ward at the hospital, Dr Pushpinder Rana continued to work from his room.

Two years ago, a portion of the surgical ward on the second floor was furnished with five beds to be used as the cancer and palliative care unit. After Covid struck, the ward had been dedicated to the treatment of Covid patients.

According to Dr Rana, about 250 cancer patients are registered at his clinic. However, the cancer care has suffered due to the pandemic.

Medical Superintendent Dr Nirdosh Kumar said the Health Department was preparing to tackle the third wave and, therefore, other issues were low on priority.

He, however, admitted that a room could be designated as a cancer care ward so that the facilities being offered to cancer patients could continue.

There were only two staff nurses in the hospital, who were trained to administer intravenous chemotherapy. Both have been shifted to primary health institutions.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Raman Kumar Sharma said more nurses could be trained for administering chemotherapy. He reiterated that a room at the hospital would soon be designated as cancer care unit.