From Director's Desk

   

 

“Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.” - Nelson Mandela

2022-23 have witnessed Malabar Cancer Centre - Post Graduate Institute of Onclogy Sciences & Research achieving some important milestones in the expansion process as an institution. As an exponentially progressing institution, MCC-PGIOSR has spread its wings in the field of ocular oncology and neurosurgical oncology in the previous year. The ocular oncology division started functioning in August 2022. Neurosurgical oncology division started its services in 2022 November.  Significant number of patients started getting benefits of the services provided by the above-mentioned divisions. MCC-PGIOSR marked an achievement in the form of QCI – gold certificate which is first time by a government hospital in Kerala. Being an academic institution MCC-PGIOSR was upgraded as a PG institution, the official announcement of the same was made and MCC-PGIOSR is renamed as Malabar Cancer Centre - Post Graduate Institute of Oncology Sciences and Research (MCC-PGIOSR). 

There were 4598 new cancer patients registered among the total registration of 7795. The total number of patients visited during the period was 85802 and there were 5566 in-patients. 2415 new patients received radiation therapy and 2047 major surgeries were performed in operation theatres.189 students including 17 medical doctors, 154 MLT students, 02 medical physics intern, and trainees underwent short-term training at MCC-PGIOSR during this period and 116 research projects are being carried out. Equal thrust has been given for clinical care, Oncology related educations and multifaceted research.

The community oncology department could play a significant role in cancer awareness and cancer control activities in major parts of Kerala. Exhibitions, seminars, and cancer detection camps were carried out by the department. Structured programmes with various local self-government bodies showed positive results. These are part of epidemiological and intervention studies carried out by the department of Community Oncology.

Malabar Population Based Cancer Registry (MPBCR), with the prior approval & support by Government of Kerala and  Puducherry Government  supported by ICMR  for the three Districts of Kannur, Kasaragod and Mahe, from 2014 onwards and expanded into the other five Districts of Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur and Palakkad, from 2018 onwards. Only new cancer cases and cancer mortality from the above said Districts are registered in MPBCR. . Government issued the order of starting the Kerala Cancer registry. Later,the Government had issued orders directing all Hospitals and Labs to report all cancer cases to the Government of Kerala. Kerala Cancer Control Strategy recommends the formation of Kerala Cancer Registry. The state-wide cancer registry is important for cancer control activities and interventions and to plan appropriate strategies for cancer care. This is expected to cover the entire state of Kerala providing authentic data on cancer incidence and mortality enabling the government to prioritise the targets in cancer care, develop and implement policies on cancer control, early detection strategies and plan economic flow in cancer care. The Kerala Cancer Registry shall be under the Apex committee for supervising and formulating implementation strategy for Kerala Cancer Strategy.

   The continued support of philanthropists and various NGOs and voluntary organizations to help needy patients is duly acknowledged with respect and gratitude. A few to specifically mention are Malabar CH Centre for providing free food for all inpatients. Similarly, Ashraya Charitable Society, Abhaya foundation, and DePaul Centre for providing accommodation and food for patients of MCC-PGIOSR are appreciated and acknowledged.

The volunteer program of Kannur Cancer Control Consortium (KCCC) is another project initiated during this period. Volunteers assist patients in registration and navigation. This has been highly appreciated by patients. Community support system is also planned through KCCC. Reproducing similar models in Kasargode, wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram are in the process.

Scientific Advisory Committee provided invaluable guidance and input on the development of various academic and training programs in the institution.Government of Kerala has decided to develop Malabar Cancer Centre as a Post Graduate Institute of Oncology Sciences and Research, through KIIFB, These developments are proposed to carry out in a phased manner and in the 1^stphase, Construction of Radiotherapy (RT) block with 3^rd LINAC (Expansion) and Out Patient (OP) block renovations are included. And the same is in the finishing stage   The KIIFB Phase – II Project, which includes development works of MCC-PGIOSR not considered in the Phase – I Project and the work commenced 

     I express my sincere thanks to all the members of Governing body, the Executive committee, and other standing committees and my staff for keeping and nurturing MCC-PGIOSR as an apex institution in oncology in the state. I expect this annual report would provide a bird’s eye view of the work and achievement of this institution in the 2022-23 periods.

Dr. Satheesan B, MBBS, MS, DNB MCH

Director