New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS): In a bid to connect cancer patients with each other and strengthen their resolve to manage the disease with courage, Max Super Speciality Hospital here has launched a support group named "Max Saathi".

"The support group will help the patients interact with each other and in the process, strengthen their resolve to manage the disease bravely," said Ranga Rao, head of department and director - oncology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.

"Our motto is to unite everybody under the same banner for being an inspiration and ray of hope for each and every one," Rao noted.

Max Saathi is directed at a diverse range of people including those who are frightened by the diagnosis, a loved one who wants to know that what they are experiencing and feeling is normal and shared by others, those who are apprehensive about treatment and want to see how others have coped, someone who is coping well and wants to support others as well as those who have beaten the disease already and want to inspire others, the hospital said in a statement.

The initiative is also expected to pave the way for better communication between the patients and doctors.

"Max Saathi has been launched to bring down the boundaries between the patients and the doctor. We want to create a platform to connect with one and all," Rao pointed out.

"The group provides a safe and open environment for the free expression of unguarded feelings where joys, needs, fears, angers and apprehension can be addressed in a kind, supportive and non-judgemental manner," he noted.