AOI expands with addition of 100-bedded multispecialty ward
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 15 2022: Chief minister N Biren on Friday inaugurated a 100-bedded multi-specialty ward at American Oncology Institute (AOI), Babina Specialty Hospital.

The inaugural function was also attended by Health and Family Welfare minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh and CAF & PD minister L Susindro Meitei among others.

Along with the comprehensive cancer care facility, the state-of-the-art hospital has now expanded services to specialty departments like Neurology, Urology, Critical Care, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, etc., to improve specialty care services in the region.

The hospital will provide high-quality treatments and swift medical services necessary for the patients seeking treatment.

Speaking at the inauguration, chief minister Biren expressed confidence that the new ward will be of immense help to people of the state.

While noting dearth in specialty services in the state, the CM said that the specialty hospital will strive to address the problem faced due to the shortage of specialist doctors, besides strengthening the medical infrastructure of the state's healthcare system.

Biren also lauded the officials of Babina Specialty Hospital for their support and cooperation during the 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic by admitting positive patients for treatment even before the inauguration of the hospital itself.

The humanitarian service of the hospital had eased a lot the hardship faced by people due to non-availability of beds during the pandemic, he added.

He also expressed satisfaction on learning that the hospital had so far provided treatment to more than 200 patients under PMJAY and over 500 patients under CMHT Scheme.

The chief minister continued that construction of the specialty hospital mostly by engaging local machineries including architect, labours, electricians, etc., made the initiatives towards Atmanirbhar Bharat a success in the state.

He further informed that the state is coming up with a cancer hospital at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences very soon as the construction of the same had already started.

N Biren also mentioned that the opening of the Oncology Institute in the state would help in addressing the financial problems faced by cancer patients and their families in going for treatment outside the state.

Regarding the gradual increase in positivity rate of COVID-19 cases in the state, he informed that screening of people entering the state has already started at certain entry points.

Stating that free vaccination for precautionary doses for people in the age group of 18 to 60 years commenced from Friday, the CM appealed to the public to get vaccinated as the vaccination would help in preventing the infection by the virus.

In his address, minister Dr Ranjan stated that the rate of suffering from cancer has been on the rise while pointing out that the revenue drained out from the state due to treatment of cancer patients outside the state will be curbed to some extent with the opening of the specialty hospital.

He also appreciated the initiative taken up by the chief minister for lessening the expenditure borne by people in medical treatment by giving the healthcare sector as the first priority of his governance.

Highlighting the world class services offered by the hospital, Cancer Treatment Services International (CTSI) group CEO Dr Jagprag Singh Gujral informed that AOI, which is South Asia's leading chain of cancer hospital, launched its 17th state-of-the-art oncology facility in collaboration with Babina Specialty Hospital to set a new benchmark in cancer care for the patients of the Northeast.

Commenting on the services, AOI regional COO Dr Amit Dhawan recalled that they began operations of AOI at Babina Specialty Hospital since the first wave of Covid-19 and it is addressing the need for treatment of cancer patients in this belt.

During the pandemic, more than 10,000 patients were treated with all the necessary safety precautions in place.

However, due to the lockdown, the formal launch of the hospital had to be postponed, he added.

Babina Healthcare chairman and MD Dr Th Dhabali said: "We are committed to making quality healthcare accessible to the people of Manipur.

In line with our vision to ensure access to the latest treatment facilities for all, AOI at Babina Specialty Hospital will cater to specialties such as Neurosciences, Urology, General Surgery & Critical Care".

With technological advancement and a specialised clinical approach, Babina specialty hospital is well equipped to treat cancer cases as well as cases related to other specialties like Neuro, Cardio, Urology, etc., he added.

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