Medical notes: Oncology initiative
In observance of World Cancer Day, the American Oncology Institute (AOI) Jalandhar is launching initiatives to promote cancer awareness, early detection, and accessible treatment. From February 4th to 29th, Dr Rahul Lal Chowdhary, Consultant in Radiation Oncology, and Dr Navdeep Singh, Consultant in Medical Oncology, will offer free OPD consultations to the community. Dr Chowdhary emphasised, “Cancer treatment is most effective when detected early, and we aim to provide timely consultations and screenings.” To further support early diagnosis, AOI is offering discounted PET CT scans. Dr Singh added, “At AOI, we offer advanced medical technology and personalized care to guide our patients throughout their journey.” This initiative comes in response to the rising cancer cases in Punjab, which have increased from 39,521 in 2021 to 42,288 in 2024. Through these services, AOI aims to make cancer care more accessible and improve treatment outcomes in the region.
Awareness programme
To mark World Cancer Day, the State Cancer Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, organised an awareness program at the Government Medical College on Tuesday. Fifteen cancer survivors, who received treatment at the department, were honoured during the event. These survivors shared their inspirational stories with current patients attending the hospital. Dr Rajiv Devgan, Director-Principal of Government Medical College, along with Dr Bikramjit Singh and Dr Sachin, Oncology surgeons, also addressed the attendees, encouraging them to raise awareness in their communities.
ISNACC 2025 conference
Dr Inderpreet Singh Walia, a Neuro Anaesthesia and Critical Care expert at Amandeep Group of Hospitals, participated in the prestigious ISNACC 2025 conference, hosted by the Sree Chitra Institute in Trivandrum. The event brought together global experts in Neuro Anaesthesia and Critical Care. Dr Walia contributed by sharing his expertise in advanced airway management techniques and also chaired three sessions and six lectures during the event.
Door-to-door de-addiction drive
Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni has unveiled a comprehensive program aimed at reaching every drug addict’s doorstep in Amritsar district as part of efforts to eradicate drug addiction. In a meeting with district officials, she highlighted the existing coverage of 43 OAT centres, which currently support 22,484 registered patients under the de-addiction program. Panchayat members, Revenue Department officials, Numberdars, and ASHA workers will be engaged in providing treatment, free medicines, food, and mental health guidance. The initiative also aims to offer employment opportunities for those who successfully overcome addiction and gain new skills. Additionally, a treatment helpline, 1800 137 6754, was launched for queries and assistance. ASHA workers who make significant contributions to the program will be rewarded with cash prizes.
World Cancer Day
Capitol Hospital, Jalandhar, hosted a cancer awareness event on World Cancer Day, featuring prominent medical professionals who discussed the importance of early detection, prevention, and advancements in cancer treatment. Dr Himanshu Srivastava, Radiation Oncologist, highlighted the hospital’s cutting-edge radiation therapy and multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Dr Arun Raja, Medical Oncologist, spoke on the breakthroughs in targeted therapy and immunotherapy and advocated for the Cervical Cancer Vaccine for girls aged 9 to 12. Dr A K Das, Nuclear Medicine, stressed the importance of PET CT scans for effective treatment planning. Dr Harnoor Singh Pruthi, Medical Director, emphasised the significance of early diagnosis and treatment.