Manipal: Kasturba Medical College and Hospital observes International Childhood Cancer Day
Udupi, Feb 17, 2023: Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal observed International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) on February 15th. The event aims to raise awareness about childhood cancers and express support for children with cancer, their caregivers, and cancer survivors.
This is the third year of our three-year campaign for ICCD (2021-2023) under the theme of ‘Better Survival’ is achievable #throughyourhands.
Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, the Dean of KMC, welcomed attendees to the event, stating that KMC is committed to ensuring that no child with cancer goes untreated.
Dr. Harish Varma T, Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, stressed that a holistic approach involving multiple stakeholders is necessary to achieve maximal cure rates in children with cancer.
Dr. K V Ganapathy, CEO of Jeet Association for Support to Cancer Patients (JASCAP), who was the Chief Guest, released an information booklet on childhood blood cancers. He emphasized the importance of providing detailed information in a language understood by caregivers.
Dr. Raj Warrier, former Vice Chancellor of MAHE, who was the guest of honor highlighted the significant improvement in survival rates for childhood cancer in recent decades, attributing supportive care as a critical component of treatment.
Dr. Anand Venugopal, COO of Teaching Hospitals, MAHE Manipal, and Dr. Krishnananda Prabhu, Associate Dean of KMC were present.
Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, delivered the vote of thanks, and Dr. P Suba Sooria, Head of Nursing Services at Kasturba Hospital, presented prizes to competition winners.
The formal function was followed by an entertainment program for children and their caregivers.
Dr. Archana M V, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Vasudeva Bhat, Incharge Head of Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, introduced the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor, respectively.
Vanishree, MSW in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
