The cancer wing at the Shillong Civil Hospital is already overcrowded as more and more people have opted for early screening and treatment since it opened.
The wing was inaugurated just over two years ago in December 2022 and has 70 beds. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the state.
Today, the State Cancer Society held its general body meeting in collaboration with Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. The primary agenda was the procurement of advanced medical equipment, including a high-energy LINAC (linear accelerator) for cancer treatment and strengthening cancer care infrastructure in Meghalaya.
The Tata Hospital has been instrumental in supporting the state’s efforts to establish a dedicated cancer care facility at the Shillong Civil Hospital.
The meeting was chaired by Sampath Kumar, chairman of the State Cancer Society and Principal Secretary of the Health Department. Dr Nalin Mehta, Director of NEIGRIHMS, was also present.
“Today’s discussions centred on implementation,” Kumar said. “We also reviewed the current status of the cancer hospital. Awareness campaigns have encouraged many to seek early detection and treatment.” The increase in people coming for screening is a positive as it helps patients’ chances if the cancer is detected early.
The official also informed that the state government is considering the expansion of bed capacity. “We are also working to enhance screening efforts, particularly for cervical and breast cancer, which were major points of discussion.”
Kumar highlighted the need for specialised training for doctors. “We’ve requested the Tata Memorial Institute to provide training in medical oncology, as Meghalaya currently lacks medical oncologists. They have agreed and we will nominate doctors for six months to a year for training. Additionally, we discussed the possibility of teleconsultations in medical oncology, which they are considering.”
The meeting also reviewed steps to address cancers linked to local habits, such as chewing betel nut, which contributes to a high incidence of oesophageal cancers. Head and neck cancers are also common here. Endoscopy units have been set up in every district and doctors have been trained to identify early warning signs. Kumar noted that while some progress has been made, screening for cervical cancer needs to be significantly scaled up. “Recently, a doctor identified four cervical cancer cases in stage four. Earlier detection would have allowed for effective treatment,” he remarked.
Dr Mehta lauded the state government’s commitment to combating cancer. “The meeting approved the construction and installation of high-energy LINAC machines, which are efficient devices for precise radiation therapy. This is a significant step toward enhancing cancer care in Meghalaya,” he said.
Dr Mehta also highlighted NEIGRIHMS’s collaborative role, stating that the central government institute has been treating a large number of cancer cases, including referrals from the state government. “We are working as a team to tackle the common enemy – cancer. The state government has done commendable work, especially with aggressive and comprehensive screening programmes.”
