SUM Hospital in Berhampur introduces chemotherapy, reducing travel burden for patients

Bhubaneswar, Oct 17: In a groundbreaking development for cancer care in southern Odisha, the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital in Sitalapalli, Berhampur, has commenced chemotherapy treatments for patients, heralding a new era of comprehensive cancer management in the region. This initiative allows patients to receive advanced cancer care locally, alleviating the financial and logistical challenges associated with traveling to distant cities for treatment.

Deba Prasad Dash, Director of the hospital, emphasized that the introduction of chemotherapy will not only save time and money but also ensure timely care for effective cancer management. The hospital has already been providing free oncology consultations at weekly camps on Saturdays and Sundays, with oncology medicine consultations available on Saturdays and surgery consultations on Sundays. These free services aim to guide patients on their treatment options, including surgery and chemotherapy plans.

The oncology team at IMS and SUM Hospital consists of highly skilled specialists dedicated to offering personalized care tailored to each patient’s specific needs. With the launch of chemotherapy services, patients can now access the full range of cancer treatments in one location, ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care.

One of the first patients to benefit from these services is a 25-year-old man diagnosed with stage-3 rectal cancer, with the tumor having spread to nearby lymph nodes. He required a combination of chemotherapy and surgery, and after receiving his first round of chemotherapy, he is now undergoing a second regimen that combines chemotherapy with targeted therapy—all provided under one roof.

Dash stated, “We are committed to delivering advanced cancer care to those in Berhampur and the surrounding areas. The addition of chemotherapy services, alongside our ongoing free oncology consultation camps, ensures that patients receive high-quality, timely care close to home.”