‘Cancer’ – the word is scary! It can strike terror in your mind. The disease is the second leading killer, only next to heart attack. The deadliest disease is aptly described as “The Emperor of All Maladies” by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, an Indian-born American oncologist. Even a few decades ago, cancer was used to be associated with predictable doomsdays. Medical science including oncology has definitely made a remarkable progress. Still, the oncologists at SGCCRI, the best cancer treatment hospital in Kolkata, believe there are miles to go.
Foundation of SGCCRI
SGCCRI is the condensed form of Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute. The institute is named after its founder Dr. Saroj Gupta. Dr. Gupta was a renowned oncologist, he was a man of several merits. But above all, he was a good human being. It was the philosopher and philanthropist in him that encouraged him to conceive and actualize his vision of building a hospital dedicated to cancer patients. Late Chintaharn Das was impressed by Dr Gupta’s visionary ideas and donated a swampy land of several acres. Dr. Gupta’s dream came true in 1973; SGCRI came into being.
Spreading Its Wings
In those days, there were only a few hospitals that had an oncology department. Most of these were government hospitals. SGCCRI is one of a kind as it is completely committed to cancer patients. Over the years, SGCCRI has established itself as one of the leading cancer hospitals in Eastern India. Even people from our neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan visit the hospital for the world-class diagnostic facilities and the best cancer treatment. In fact, this Thakurpukur cancer hospital (it goes by the name in and around Kolkata) has catapulted itself on the world map of cancer care and treatment centres.
The institute has received many national and International acclaims. It is a member of UICC and also recognized by WHO.
Care & Treatment
Cancer treatment needs an inclusive and intensive care. It does not end with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. In fact, routine follow-up is a part of cancer treatment. For the cancer patients in their most advanced stages when no treatment is available, doctors suggest medicines that can address the symptoms so that these patients do not have to endure severe suffering in their sunset years. The hospital houses a state-of-the-art research unit that grants some brilliant minds to work on cancer, its causes and cure. The objective is to find out more interesting facts about cancer that will eventually contribute to better treatment options, preventive drugs and ultimately lead to a cure.
SGCCRI shares its research-based findings with other renowned cancer research institutes across the globe and publish their works in leading medical journals.
Affordable Treatment
Dr. Gupta was a humanitarian. He wanted his hospital to provide affordable cancer treatment and diagnostic facilities to all patients, especially the underprivileged people. The SGCCRI management committee has always lived up to their promise of affordable treatment and thereby, towing the line of its founder. The hospital installs the most advanced medical equipment and diagnostic tools for the correct and early diagnosis. And who not knows that early diagnosis means better prognosis?
Wrapping Up!
This year, SGCCRI completed its journey of 50 years in March. A journey from being a small setup to becoming the best cancer hospital in West Bengal! It is something that gives immense pride to everyone working at the hospital. Oncologists, nurses and all staff promise to carry the baton of Dr. Gupta’s vision of “Care with a Smile”.