After palliative care, C.V. Raman General Hospital in Bengaluru launches oncology services

After successfully launching palliative care services, the State-run C.V. Raman General Hospital in Bengaluru has now begun providing oncology services. Over the last three months, the hospital has performed seven cancer surgeries and started a day-care chemotherapy unit.

Earlier this year, the hospital partnered with the One Billion Lives Foundation (OBLF), a non-governmental organisation, to offer geriatric and palliative care to underprivileged patients closer to their homes. The services currently cover 12 slums in Hoysala Nagar Ward (No. 80), where the hospital is located.

Under the collaboration, the hospital provides in-patient palliative care and primary day care through community clinics set up in schools and local centres for outpatient consultations and screening.

Day-care chemotherapy

As part of the State Health Department’s initiative, day-care chemotherapy centres were established in 16 district hospitals in August. Between August and October 31, 615 chemotherapy cycles were administered to 252 patients across these centres. C.V. Raman General Hospital is among the 16 facilities offering this service.

Hospital Medical Superintendent K.S. Rajesh said that with both surgery and chemotherapy now available, the hospital is evolving into a more comprehensive oncology centre.

“We have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanjeevini Hospital to provide the first and second doses of chemotherapy,” Dr. Rajesh told The Hindu. “Our day-care unit has eight beds, and currently, only patients who have undergone surgeries here are availing the service. However, we are ready to extend this facility”.

Mentor surgeon 

Following the launch of day-care chemotherapy, Principal Secretary (Health) Harsh Gupta appointed Venkatesh N., a government surgical oncologist, as the mentor surgeon for oncology services in State-run hospitals.

“Dr. Venkatesh has been conducting cancer surgeries at our hospital and in the Udupi District Hospital. We have a modular operation theatre, and so far, seven surgeries - including breast, thyroid, and ovarian cancers - have been performed,” Dr. Rajesh said.

Dr. Venkatesh said patients receive their first and second chemotherapy sessions at Sanjeevini Hospital before continuing day-care chemotherapy at C.V. Raman.

“At Udupi District Hospital, we have performed 84 major surgeries - including breast, ovarian, and thyroid - apart from over 100 biopsies and minor procedures. We plan to expand surgical oncology services to more district hospitals soon,” he added.

Hub and spoke model

State Deputy Director (Non-Communicable Diseases) Raghunandan said the day-care chemotherapy initiative follows a hub-and-spoke model.

“Since August, 615 cycles of chemotherapy have been provided to 252 patients. While Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) - empanelled tertiary cancer centres serve as hubs, the 16 district hospitals act as spokes. Chemotherapy drugs are supplied through SAST,” he said.

“This system reduces travel and delays in treatment, improving access for patients who might otherwise struggle to reach urban centres,” he added.