Free cancer treatment at sadar hosp under Ayushman Bharat

Ranchi: Ranchi Sadar hospital is all set to start free chemotherapy for patients suffering from various types of cancer from Wednesday through Ayushman Bharat scheme. Patients who are not covered under the scheme can avail of services at prescribed government rates. However, all OPD services will be available free of cost, officials said on Tuesday.

Cancer patients will have access to comprehensive treatment facilities at the hospital. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy will be covered under Ayushman Bharat in day-care services. The diseases covered will include blood cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, gynaecology cancer, bone cancer and urogenital cancers. Under this initiative, eligible patients will receive comprehensive cancer care, including diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, and post-treatment support, without any financial burden.

Dr Gunjesh Kumar, a medical oncologist, will oversee patient care and offer expert advice to those in need. He will be available for consultations in medical oncology on Wednesdays and Fridays. Other oncology surgeons will be available at the hospital on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The hospital will also introduce cancer surgery services for patients with a dedicated OPD facility that will be open for three days a week.

Civil surgeon, Dr Prabhat Kumar, said, “This development marks a significant milestone in providing accessible healthcare to those battling cancer in the region. It will also reduce the burden on the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and expedite treatment for patients.”

Dr Gunjesh, said, “We want to ensure that financial constraints don't stand in the way of effective treatment. Our team is committed to providing the best care possible.” Under the initiative, the hospital has set up a room with six beds specifically for cancer patients within its facility. The bedrooms will be administered by three physicians, including Dr Navin Burnwal, Dr Gunjesh, and Dr Parkash Bhagat.