Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 14: KMC Hospital Attavar observed International Childhood Cancer Day at Sanjeevini hall.
The programme was inaugurated by music director, singer and actor Gurukiran by watering a plant along with other dignitaries.
The chief of civision of Child Pediatric Haematology Oncology, KMC Hospital Mangaluru Dr Harsha Prasad welcomed the gathering.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Harsha Prasad said, “Today we are observing International Childhood Cancer Day in order to bring awareness and express our support to children who suffer from cancer and their families. Every year nearly 3 lac children are diagnosed with cancer. But childhood cancer is curable. Our aim is to bring awareness to the parents that cancer is curable. Since no treatment is free, we need to raise funds for the treatment of children and also provide quality treatment.
"There should not be any compromise on the treatment. Fundraising is part of this programme. In KMC Hospital, we have been treating all types of cancer in children for the past 20 years. In six years we diagnosed nearly 425 cases and 335 children have received treatment while many have been completely cured. Our main aim is to see that children come to the hospital happily. It should not be a burden for them. We are expecting some NGOs to come forward to support the children. Those children who suffer from cancer cannot go to school during the treatment. They need to stay in the hospital for one to two months and hence will lose their education. We are also thinking of giving education to children and we are expecting some good-hearted people to come forward to teach them for one or two hours.
"We have dedicated the oncology ward for children, dedicated nursing team, dedicated doctors, social workers, data manager, paediatric surgeon and on-site radiation oncology facility."
Addressing the gathering, Gurukiran said, “Today is Valentine’s Day and most of all the one who loves us more, that is my mother’s birthday. Today we are also observing the International Childhood Cancer Day and I am delighted to be here. Cancer is a deadly disease, but if you diagnose it on time it is curable. I know the pain the family goes through if any member of the family suffers from cancer. Children are blessed by God and they have the immunity to fight against cancer. KMC is doing a wonderful job by providing quality treatment to the children who suffer from cancer. From my side, I will try to support by organizing fund raising events for cancer patients to get quality treatment. I request every parent to support their children because parents support is most important in the fight against cancer.
Ravindra Shet and Sharath Shet from S L Shet Diamond House Ladyhill handed over a donation cheque of Rs 50,000 for Child Cancer Fund to KMC Hospital authorities.
Dharmith Rai from Infinity Entertainment who co-organised the programme, Ian Lyngdoh from Happy Bar Nutrition, Dr Alfred Augustine- Additional dean, KMC Mangaluru, HOD of Paediatrics Dr Kamalakshi Bhat, medical superintendent KMC Hospital Attavar- Dr John Ramapuram, KMC Hospitals regional chief operating officer- Saghir Siddiqui, medical superintendent and regional chief Clinical Services KMC Hospital Dr Ambedkar Circle- Dr Anand Venugopal were also present.
Dr Ramitha from Paediatrics department delivered the vote of thanks.
Madhu Mylankodi compered the programme.