In a significant boost to healthcare services in central Tamil Nadu, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Trichy has inaugurated a dedicated Cancer Outpatient Department (OPD). This new facility, attached to the KAP Viswanatham Government Medical College, is poised to transform into a vital cancer care hub for the region.
Ending the Referral Cycle: A New Chapter in Local Cancer Care
For years, cancer patients from Trichy and surrounding districts faced the arduous task of travelling to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital for essential medical oncology and radiation therapy treatments. Hospital sources indicate that between 300 to 400 patients were referred to Thanjavur every year. The launch of the cancer OPD at MGMGH marks a decisive step towards keeping this critical care within the city, saving patients time, money, and immense physical strain.
Comprehensive Services and Future Expansion Plans
The newly opened department is not just a consultation space. It has been launched alongside a dedicated day care chemotherapy ward and a palliative care ward, providing immediate, holistic support to patients. This initial phase is part of a larger vision. Hospital authorities have confirmed plans to develop a comprehensive, standalone cancer block in the future, equipped with dedicated infrastructure for full-scale diagnosis and treatment.
In a move to drastically improve diagnostic accuracy, preliminary steps have been initiated to install a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan facility at MGMGH. Site identification and installation planning are currently in progress. This advanced imaging technology will allow for more precise cancer staging and treatment monitoring.
Additional Upgrades for Patient Convenience and Hygiene
Recognising other patient challenges, the hospital has also addressed accessibility to basic diagnostics. Two new X-ray imaging units, installed at a cost of ₹16 lakh, were inaugurated within the maternity and paediatric wards (RCH building) and the orthopaedic department. This decentralisation solves the difficulty patients faced in travelling to the centralised X-ray department and is expected to minimize delays in treatment across these specialties.
Parallelly, MGMGH has modernised its linen sterilisation and cleaning processes to enhance overall healthcare hygiene standards. A new modern laundry unit, developed with an investment of ₹1.9 lakh, was commissioned recently to support this initiative.
The collective upgrades at MGMGH signal a major shift towards making advanced, compassionate, and convenient cancer care accessible in Trichy, reducing the dependency on distant medical centres and promising a better healthcare experience for patients in the region.
