Mumbai: At a time when people across the globe are flocking to Allahabad (Prayagraj) to participate in the Swasthya Kumbh Mela, several oncologists from Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) have taken an initiative to examine devotees attending, for oral cancer.
This initiative has been taken since cases related to oral cancer have increased by 40 per cent in India. City oncologists have chosen Kumbh Mela since millions are expected to throng this mela and easier to screen at one time. The Uttar Pradesh government has also welcomed this move.
“We have also tied-up with the UP government for this initiative and oncologists from TMH are hoping to set a record of scanning most number of devotees for oral cancer at the Kumbh Mela,” said a doctor. Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon and Deputy Director of the Tata Memorial Centre, will lead the team of experts and has been present at the premises of the mela since January 6.
Dr Chaturvedi told The Free Press Journal, they are confident of screening millions at the Kumbh Mela. “We have begun screening from Wednesday and are expecting a crowd of 30 million in the next 45 days,” said Dr Chaturvedi. Dr B K Mishra, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Prayagraj said, with the help of UP government they have already constructed 10 temporary hospitals for the Kumbh to treat patients of all ailments they may suffer from during the Mela days.
“Right now, we are treating patients with complaints of cough, fever and other minor ailment. We will soon get additional team of 60 doctors from Mumbai. The team will consist of dentists, experts of various medical branches, health activists and general practitioners,” added Dr Mishra.
This initiative will help oncologists to compile nation-wide data on roal cancer. These medical experts would also supervise a tobacco control programme at the Mela. Tata Memorial Hospital, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Indian Dental Association (IDA), the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Varanasi and the Kamala Nehru Hospital in Allahabad all have come together for this initiative.
