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Regional Cancer Centre for Goa could be a reality soon BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MARCH 14 — Goa could probably have a Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) in the near future. Although in the preliminary stage the Goa Medical College (GMC) plans to set up a RCC in Goa under the Central Government National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had launched the NCCP programme in 1975 and revised the programme in 1984-85. The NCCP aims to provide holistic treatment to cancer treatment keeping in mind that there should not be geographical gaps in the availability of cancer treatment in India. Since the programme was launched approximately 22 to 23 RCC's have been set up across India. It was in 2003 that the GMC expressed interest to set up a RCC in Goa. Since then there have been interactions between the GMC, the Government of Goa and the Central Government. At present, the project is in the preliminary stage according to Dean of the GMC Dr V N Jindal. It is learnt that an approval is required from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) as cancer treatment involves radiation therapy. The BARC has asked for the mapping of the area where the RCC would be set up. The RCC is proposed to be set up on the GMC campus covering an area of around 2000 to 3000 sq metres. According to the NCCP, one-time financial assistance of Rs five crore will be sanctioned for the RCC once all the requirements are met. The funding will be directed for construction of the RCC building and the purchase of equipment. Drafting of the staff required is also in process. The aim is to have better infrastructure, equipment, and organised treatment for cancer. At present the GMC has the basic facilities to diagnose and treat cancer such as cobalt unit, CT scan, ultrasound, x-ray unit, endoscopy, chemotherapy. At the RCC it is proposed to have added facilities such as a nuclear medicine department, medical oncology unit as well as linear accelerator, bone scan, brachy therapy treatment among others. The RCC in Goa will reduce the geographical gap in the availability of cancer treatment to Goan patients who at times move to Mumbai, Bangalore or other states for treatment. It will also benefit cancer patients from neighbouring areas such as Karwar, Sindhudurg, Sawantwadi. According to GMC records there are nearly 1000 cancer patients visiting the GMC every year. It is also learnt that there could be another 1000 cancer patients (every year) who might be visiting private hospitals in Goa or the others states. -- TUMCHER AXIRVAD ASSUM; DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England
