GUWAHATI, April 9 � Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) should take the initiative of carrying out research activities by building ties with academic establishments like Gauhati University. Saying this in a function at BBCI today, the Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University Prof Okhil Kumar Medhi reasoned that such collaborations would be mutually beneficial to the institutions and have positive impact on healthcare.
Prof Medhi, who along with Oil India Limited Chairman and Managing Director, NM Borah, saw the launch of two new projects at the BBCI, observed that there should be a planned strategy for research that looked beyond the present requirements. It was important that the BBCI strengthened its efforts in the area of cancer research, he said.
Referring to incidence of cancer in the Northeast, the senior academic said that awareness has to be built up, and here involvement with NGOs could make a difference. Rise in awareness levels would lead to early detection and treatment of cancer, which kill scores of people every year.
He revealed that the Gauhati University would support new courses like oncology that the BBCI has sought to offer as part of its teaching programme. Later, more ambitious courses could be on offer that would help train and empower people of the region. Prof Medhi said that the Gauhati University was also keen to start some new courses, including one on Biomedical engineering.
OIL chief NM Borah, speaking as the chief guest appreciated the efforts of BBCI in offering cancer treatment in this part of the country. Borah, who inaugurated a state of the art ICU to which OIL had offered financial support of Rs 1 crore, said that it was a privilege and honour to have a role in BBCI�s augmentation.
He said that he along with those in the OIL family recognised the critical role played by BBCI and would be willing to offer support to the institution in the days ahead as the company was committed to carry out its corporate social responsibility.
The eight-bed ICU is well-equipped with ventilators, multiple parameter monitors, cardiac defibrillator along with in-house labs. Two beds will be reserved for chemotherapy induced neutropenic patients.
Earlier in his welcome address, the director of BBCI, Dr AC Kataki gave a brief round up of the new initiatives of the institution to become a premier cancer care facility in the country, which also has strong research base.
Dr Kataki appreciated the support extended by OIL and Gauhati University in strengthening the BBCI and said that the growth of the institution can be attributed to the team work of the doctors and staff. He also launched a new scheme that would offer free treatment to economically disadvantaged patients from select occupations.
