Manipal Hospitals pushes for early cancer detection in Jharkhand

Jamshedpur gets ‘Anveshana’ to promote accurate health reporting

Robotic surgery is transforming cancer care, says Dr. Abhay Kumar

Jamshedpur, April 4: A new initiative aimed at improving health awareness and accurate medical reporting was launched in Jamshedpur on Friday. Manipal Hospitals Group introduced ‘Anveshana – Medical Education for Media’ along with a special Media Privilege Card for journalists.

The programme was launched in the presence of Dr. Abhay Kumar, who is a Consultant and Head of the Department of Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Manipal Hospitals EM Bypass, Kolkata. The initiative reflects the hospital’s effort to empower media professionals with reliable medical knowledge so they can spread accurate health information in society.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Abhay Kumar highlighted the growing concern of cancer cases in Jharkhand and nearby regions. According to national estimates, India records more than 14 lakh new cancer cases every year, with a significant number coming from eastern states like Jharkhand. In the state, thousands of new patients are diagnosed annually, with common cancers including oral, lung, breast, cervical, and genitourinary cancers.

He pointed out that despite the rising number of cases, nearly 30 to 40 percent of patients from Jharkhand travel to metro cities for advanced treatment. This, he said, shows the lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to specialised healthcare facilities in the region. Doctors also noted that over 60 percent of cancer cases in India are detected at an advanced stage, which reduces the chances of successful treatment.

The newly launched ‘Anveshana’ programme aims to bridge this gap by creating a platform where doctors and media professionals can interact and share knowledge. The initiative focuses on simplifying complex medical information and promoting responsible reporting on health-related issues.

Another key feature of the event was the launch of the Media Privilege Card. This card is designed to provide journalists with easier access to healthcare services and certain exclusive benefits, ensuring better support for members of the media fraternity.

Dr. Abhay Kumar also spoke about advancements in cancer treatment, especially in the field of robotic-assisted surgery. He said that modern technologies are making treatment more precise and patient-friendly. Robotic surgery, particularly in uro-oncology, allows doctors to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy, leading to less pain, faster recovery, and improved outcomes for patients.

The event also included interactions with patients who had successfully undergone treatment under Dr. Kumar. They shared their personal experiences, explaining how timely diagnosis and advanced treatment methods helped them recover and improve their quality of life. Their stories highlighted the importance of early detection and access to modern healthcare facilities.

With improved connectivity to advanced treatment centres in Kolkata, patients from Jamshedpur and other parts of Jharkhand can now access quality cancer care closer to home. Experts stressed that increasing awareness, promoting regular screening, and ensuring timely treatment are key steps in reducing the burden of cancer in the region.