Sambalpur: To detect cancer early, the Padampur sub-divisional hospital in Bargarh district will commence a weekly cancer OPD service every Tuesday starting Nov 5.
The initiative comes as western odisha, particularly Bargarh district, accounts for over 60% of the state’s annual 8,000 new cancer cases.
While the recent opening of Bargarh Cancer Hospital has improved access to cancer care, rural areas continue to face challenges in accessing these facilities.
“Our goal is to destigmatize cancer and promote early screening by making services more accessible to people in peripheral areas,” said Dr Naresh Padhan, in-charge onco-surgeon at the cancer hospital.
The programme will run on a pilot basis, with future plans dependent on public response.
The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about the operational status of the cancer hospital. Inaugurated in Feb with a Rs 106 crore investment, the 100-bed facility currently serves about 120 patients every month. However, incomplete facilities force many patients to seek treatment elsewhere.
Despite these challenges, the hospital has achieved some notable successes, including recent complex surgical procedures. “Early detection significantly reduces cancer-related fatalities,” said Ashwini Kumar Darji, chairman of the Fighters’ Group, a local advocacy organisation.
