Patna Medical College Hospital to Establish Dedicated Cancer Department in April
In a significant development for healthcare in Bihar, Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) is poised to launch a separate, comprehensive cancer department in April. This initiative will bring multiple essential treatment services under one roof for patients in the state capital, marking a major advancement in oncology care.
Launch Date and Initial Services
The new department is scheduled to commence operations from April 6 at the hospital's central unit building. According to PMCH superintendent Dr. Rajiva Kumar Singh, it will provide daily outpatient services for cancer patients, alongside dedicated facilities for radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This consolidation aims to streamline the treatment process and enhance accessibility.
Rationale Behind the New Department
Dr. Singh emphasized that the move is designed to improve treatment facilities and optimize the expertise already present at the hospital. PMCH had appointed four cancer specialists two years ago, including:
- One gynaecologic oncologist
- Two surgical oncologists
- One medical oncologist
Previously, these specialists were dispersed across different departments, with the gynaecologic oncologist working under gynaecology and the surgical oncologists under surgery. "We thought of making the maximum use of expertise available with us and hence decided to come with a separate department," Dr. Singh explained.
Infrastructure and Capacity
The department will start with 25 beds, comprising 20 for radiotherapy and five for chemotherapy. Additionally, five chemotherapy beds equipped with oxygen support will be reserved in the emergency department. Hospital authorities have indicated that the number of beds will be increased based on future requirements and patient demand.
Operational Details and Patient Benefits
The outpatient department will function six days a week, ensuring regular access to consultation and follow-up care for cancer patients. This dedicated setup is expected to significantly reduce the need for patients to navigate between multiple departments for diagnosis, consultation, and treatment, thereby improving efficiency and patient experience.
Impact on Cancer Care in Bihar
This decision is widely regarded as a crucial step toward strengthening cancer care services at PMCH, one of Bihar's largest government hospitals. By centralizing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and specialist consultations in a single department, the hospital aims to deliver more organized, accessible, and effective treatment for individuals seeking cancer care in the region.
