Meherbai Tata Memorial Hospital (MTMH) in Jamshedpur will expand its services and add new facilities for cancer patients of the region.

The 128-bed hospital, established in 1975 and managed by the Tata Trust, will install a new MRI machine in the Tata Main Hospital campus for the convenience of admitted patients.

The hospital, which is erstwhile undivided Bihar’s first dedicated cancer hospital, has an average annual patient footfall of 25,000 in the OPD and average annual admission of 10,000 patients.

“At present, sick patients from Tata Main Hospital are transported to MTMH campus for MRI scan. With the installation of a second MRI, patients will save time and their transportation will be safer,” said MTMH director and nuclear medicine department head Dr Sujata Mitra, addressing the media in Jamshedpur on Saturday.

A four-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at MTMH will be inaugurated on December 22 for patients requiring critical care.

“Three specialised cabins have been constructed for blood cancer patients who need to be protected from infection,” said Dr Mitra.

“We would also start Lutetium therapy at MTMH by this year-end for prostate cancer patients who have not responded to conventional treatment. This would be the first such facility in the state of Jharkhand,” claimed Dr Mitra.

Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, also called Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) therapy, is the latest popular treatment choice for men experiencing advanced prostate cancer with metastatic or treatment-resistant prostate tumours. In many patients, the treatment has proven to be a successful way to reduce the size of the tumours.

In addition, a state-of-the-art TrueBeam radiotherapy machine — the only one of its kind in Jharkhand helps to treat patients with the most advanced and precise radiation therapy — has also become operational in the health centre.

“This year we would be holding a cancer awareness rally organised together with Inner Wheel Club of Jamshedpur on November 9 to educate the public. Schoolchildren, doctors, nurses and prominent members of the society will be participating in this rally which will begin from Bistupur Post Office roundabout and culminate at Gopal Maidan,” said Dr Mitra.

Participants in the rally will be carrying placards with slogans on cancer symptoms. There are also plans to distribute leaflets to spread awareness about cancer.

“We will be observing Children’s Day with children fighting cancer at Kudy Mahanty Auditorium in Jamshedpur on November 14 where MTMH would like to recognize these brave hearts as well as thank sponsors who have donated towards their treatment,” informed Dr Mitra.

Youngsters take part in the Nasha Mukt Bihar race in Patna on Sunday. PTI picture