JK News today
Jammu, November 24:
American Oncology Institute, Jammu’s First Exclusive Cancer Super Specialty Hospital opens in the City in partnership with Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (ASCOMS, Hospital)
–  Social initiatives Umeed  and Roshini were unveiled by the cancer patients during the launch
– Free breast prosthesis implants were distributed to breast cancer patients under the Roshini Program.
Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir) November 23, 2019:  American Oncology Institute (AOI), South Asia’s leading chain of cancer hospitals has inaugurated its 11th cancer care centre in India. The first Exclusive Super Speciality Cancer Hospital of Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, in partnership with Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (ASCOMS Hospital) was inaugurated by Honourable Mr. Atal Dolloo , IAS Financial Commissioner- Jammu, Mr. Sanjeev Verma (IAS), Divisional Commissioner- Jammu along with other dignitaries.
India has reported over 15 lakhs new cancer cases per year and this number is expected to be around 20 lakhs by 2020. Sadly, more than 70% of these cases are reported in advanced stages, leading to poor survival rates. Lack of optimal facilities with technology and protocols to provide relevant care have added to the disease burden in this region. According to a recent survey, there is a 87% growth of cancer cases in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
AOI along with ASCOMS Hospital will provide comprehensive cancer care services including advanced diagnostic techniques for cancer, latest staging and treatment modalities including Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine (PET CT), based on the international treatment guidelines in cancer care. The Cancer Super Speciality hospital will enable the population of J&K and adjoining states get access to the best and most advanced cancer diagnostics and treatment at affordable cost.
Speaking on the association, Dr. Jagprag Singh Gujral, Group CEO- South Asia, American Oncology Institute said, “Traditionally, cancer has been considered a terminal ailment with uncertain prognosis. However, over the last few years technology-driven improvements in diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved survival rates. With best-in-class diagnostic modalities and treatment processes, protocols and standards, American Oncology Institute has been providing the best quality outcomes. We are happy to be associated with ASCOMS Hospital in serving the people of this region.”
The launch event was marked with the balloon raising & logo unveiling of Umeed symbolising the vibrant hopes to fight against cancer by cancer patients. Umeed aims to bridge the gap between healthcare access and quality cancer care treatment. It also ensures that quality cancer care is given in a timely manner. This noble initiative will help in early detection of cancer by providing them the proper diagnosis and treatment by the experts in the field to the cancer patients of Jammu & Kashmir.
American Oncology Institute also started a special program under the banner “Roshini” which is to promote the prevention of cancer in females. Free breast prosthesis implants were distributed to breast cancer patients under the Roshini initiative to the patients.
Over the last few years, AOI has emerged as the most preferred cancer care hospital in various regions because of its differentiated approach in diagnosing and treating cancer. A completely paperless approach, multidisciplinary team for collaborative cancer care with – Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists, Pathologists, Radiologists, Nuclear Medicine Specialists, most advanced diagnostic & staging protocols, defined and tested treatment pathways.
Commenting on the event, Dr. Pawan Malhotra, Director Principal, Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital ( ASCOMS Hospital)  said “ Together with American Oncology Institute, our Comprehensive Cancer Care Unit will commence operations to provide world class cancer care  to the people of J&K. This partnership will bring together experience of top oncologists from across the globe, coupled with the finest infrastructure, which will help in bridging the gap in cancer care delivered in J&K.”
Commenting on the Occasion Mr. D K Batra, Joint  Secretary, Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital ( ASCOMS Hospital)  said, “ The facility comes up at a time when cancer incidences in the state of Jammu & Kashmir are on the rise due to use of tobacco and tobacco products, ageing population, pollution, unhealthy life styles and lack of awareness about early detection. The cancer hospital will provide all the required treatment under one roof at affordable cost”.
JMC Mayor Chander Mohan Gupta also present on the occasion.
About Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (ASCOMS Hospital)
Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences, is 508 bedded tertiary care teaching hospital providing excellent care to the patients and training to the undergraduate and postgraduate students. All the clinical departments, along with the diagnostic laboratories, provide round-the-clock service at the campus.
About American Oncology Institute
American Oncology Institute is the leading cancer care provider across South Asia. It operates a chain of cancer hospitals in multiple cities across South Asia. American Oncology Institute was founded by a group of physicians and industry experts, with decades of experience in delivering quality Oncology Care at University of Pittsburgh Medical College (UPMC), USA. AOI today is a wholly owned subsidiary of Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR).
The team of clinical, paraclinical and healthcare operations experts pride themselves with the motto of closing the gap between standards of cancer care in South Asia and the developed cancer hospitals in the West. AOI provides comprehensive cancer management that is powered by clinical excellence, world class technology as well as best in class clinical pathways and protocols for treatment planning and execution, providing never-before quality in cancer care across South Asia. Some differentiating features of AOI:
·         Advanced Cancer Care as per US University Standards
·         Multi-disciplinary Team of Doctors for each case to formulate customized & precise treatment plans
·         Centralised Treatment Planning
·         Clinical Pathways & Protocols
·         International Tumor Board