Date:24/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/24/stories/2008072458420200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Palliative care unit inaugurated at Vepery

Staff Reporter

‘Ashwas’ aims to cover at least five patients daily

— Photo: S.Thanthoni

Global Cancer Concern India’s trustee Padma Venkataraman addressing the gathering at the inauguration of palliative care centre at Vepery on Wednesday.

CHENNAI: A palliative care centre to support cancer patients was opened by a non-governmental organisation Global Cancer Concern India (GCCI) in Vepery here on Wednesday.

‘Ashwas’ – the joint project of GCCI and Holy Trinity Church, Vepery, aims to cover at least five patients daily. Home care services to terminally ill cancer patients are also proposed to be taken up by the centre.

Inaugurating the centre, GCCI’s trustee Padma Venkataraman said such initiatives would help the underprivileged cancer patients who otherwise have to spend exorbitant amount on treatment.

Briefing about the organisation and its activities, GCCI’s director (programme), New Delhi, K.P.S.Nair said the voluntary organisation has been working among cancer patients across the country for a decade now. Besides conducting school and public awareness programmes, GCCI also provides educational assistance to children of underprivileged cancer patients.

In Chennai, about 100 schools have been covered as part of the cancer awareness programme in the past three years since the opening of the city branch. About 40 children in the city have been provided with educational assistance. Such financial support would be given till they complete school education, he said.

Speakers said cancer screening camps would be held periodically to identify patients in need of financial and medical support. Sally Abraham of Aban Group of companies also participated during the occasion.