KMC Hospital Attavar signs MOU with Hope Child Cancer Care Foundation
Mangaluru: Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangalore Press Club, Dr Anand Venugopal, Medical Superintendent of KMC Hospitals, Mangaluru said “KMC Hospital Attavar is one of the most advanced Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre with Medical, Surgical, Pediatric and Radiation oncology services under one roof. We strive to provide patient-centric services so that medical facilities are accessible to each and every patient needing medical attention. We already have the funding for childhood cancer from “Project Milaap, Impact Guru, Leukemia Crusaders & CanKids”. KMC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding {MoU} with Hope Child Cancer Care Foundation for “Hope beyond Leukemia Project”.Having this MOU with Hope Child Cancer Care Foundation will give the children from poor families living in Kerala state the much-needed assistance in their treatment.”
Also speaking at the press meet, Dr Harsha Prasada L- Chief, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Dept of Pediatrics KMC Hospital Mangaluru said, “Most of the childhood cancers are curable. Among these acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of blood cancer, the commonest type of childhood cancer is curable to the tune of 85-90%. In India, as per the rough estimate, 12000 new childhood leukemia is diagnosed annually. Here in Mangaluru, we do see around 40 new cases of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia per year. KMC Hospital has been providing treatment for children with cancer for the past 18 years. HOPE Beyond leukemia is a new project that has been launched by the HOPE Child Cancer Care Foundation. The project has been developed to support children who have been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) across all aspects of their care, treatment, and healing. The HOPE team comprises of a number of expert health care professionals, including experienced pediatric oncologists. They are well placed to assist families that have been affected by childhood cancer financially, emotionally, and medically, working to ensure that children from Kerala state have access to the best treatment for them.”
Dr Zainul Abideen, Medical Director, Hope Child Cancer Care Foundation-Dubai, UAE stated “HOPE aims to provide the best possible support and treatment for every child and every family HOPE has initially chosen to focus on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL); the most common form of childhood cancer, and one, which is associated with a high cure rate across developed countries.”
Harris, the Chairman of Hope Child Cancer Care Foundation said “Our ultimate aim is to offer the very best treatment for all children and families that are enrolled in the scheme. Therefore, we strive to provide financial support on an individual basis to meet the needs of each family who registered with us. Full details of the financial support available will be outlined in the terms and conditions, although Hope beyond Leukemia Project will endeavour to cover the following associated costs as standard: Up to 5 Lakhs to contribute towards the cost of treatment, Accommodation costs for children and their parents, Transport costs for children and their parents, Food costs for children and their parents, Additional allowance for parents based on financial situation and more. HOPE’s pediatric oncologist will regularly visit children and their families at their HOPE Home to monitor progress, review treatment, and ensure that children are continually receiving the most effective care.”
Dr Kamalakshi Bhat, HOD of Pediatrics, KMC Hospital Mangaluru stated that “HOPE Beyond leukemia project will help us to deliver evidence-based, high-quality treatment for children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia from an economically weaker section. With this, no child will go away from the hospital due to financial reasons. The Department has well equipped Pediatric Intensive Care Unit which will help to treat sick oncology children. There is dedicated Pediatric Oncology ward with robust infection control practice, pediatric surgical support, social worker and data manager to cater to children with cancer.”