“NO INDISCRIMINATE USE OF SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY IN CANCER CARE” – Dr. Shanta

INN/Chennai, @Infodeaofficial

Dr.Shanta, Chairman, Adayar Cancer Institute, has cautioned cancer care specialists against indiscriminate use of sophisticated technology thereby increasing the cost burden on patients and their families.  She was inaugurating an international conference CaRehab-2019 at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research here today.

 “The availability of sophisticated technology should not be the sole reason for its use.  One has to consider carefully when and where it is to be used, which is better and under what conditions and what is the cost benefit.  There should be a constant reappraisal centering on improved patient care.  One should work towards quality care.  Marketing practices of equipments and drug manufacturers needs to be monitored. It will also be the responsibility of the oncologist to contain cost by prescribing technology intensive investigations for therapy or diagnosis on the basis of cost benefit.  It must be patient centric” she added.

Stressing that rehabilitation should start immediately after complete initial assessment “the various options available for the patient depending on evidence based date and one’s own experience should be carefully explained to the patient and the family.  Most of the times, more than one modality of treatment will be necessary.  This must be clearly informed prior to starting treatment including the sequencing.  The communication has to be such that the patient and the family feel that their interests are being taken care of.   The explanation must evoke a sense of confidence, trust and hope” Dr. Shanta said.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr.P.V.Vijayaraghavan, Vice Chancellor said today there are over 20 million cancer survivors around the world and many of them having a quality life for over five years and in the case of breast cancer patients people have lived for even 25 years.  Sri Ramachandra has now a comprehensive cancer care facility including rehabilitation facilities, he added.

Dean of faculties Dr.Mahesh Vakamudi and Dr.Jagadesh Chandra Bose, HOD, Surgical Oncology were among those who participated in the event.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

%d bloggers like this: