In a major breakthrough for healthcare in Sirmaur, chemotherapy treatment is now available at Civil Hospital, Paonta Sahib, significantly improving access to cancer care for patients in the region. Until now, cancer patients had to endure long and costly journeys to PGI Chandigarh and IGMC Shimla for treatment.
Under the expert guidance of Dr Piyush Tiwari, chemotherapy services have successfully commenced at the hospital. Recently, a 50-year-old woman cancer patient underwent her first chemotherapy session, which lasted five hours. The procedure went smoothly, and the patient responded well. Dr Piyush is currently treating four to five other cancer patients, ensuring that quality cancer care is now available locally.
For years, cancer patients in Sirmaur faced immense financial and logistical challenges in accessing treatment. A single chemotherapy injection costs between Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000, and some patients require two sessions per month, placing a heavy financial burden on families. Travel expenses and accommodation costs further added to their difficulties.
To address this issue, the state government has launched an initiative to provide around 40 essential cancer drugs free of cost, including trastuzumab, an injection that costs nearly Rs 40,000 per dose. This move is a game-changer, ensuring that even financially weaker patients can receive life-saving treatment without the stress of medical expenses.
The first chemotherapy session at Paonta Sahib hospital was a joint effort by a dedicated medical team, including Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Dr Sudhi Gupta and Dr AV Raghav. The patient’s family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and hospital staff for making high-quality cancer treatment available close to home.
The availability of chemotherapy in Paonta Sahib is a major relief for residents of Sirmaur and surrounding rural areas. Previously, long waiting times at Chandigarh and Shimla hospitals often delayed crucial treatment. Now, patients can receive timely chemotherapy sessions without unnecessary travel stress, significantly improving their chances of recovery.
With this development, Sirmaur is making great strides in strengthening its healthcare infrastructure. The launch of chemotherapy services at Paonta Sahib demonstrates the commitment of medical professionals and the government towards improving cancer treatment accessibility in Himachal Pradesh.
This initiative is not just about medical progress — it represents hope, comfort and a new beginning for countless cancer patients and their families. With continued expansion of services, Paonta Sahib is poised to become a beacon of affordable and high-quality cancer care in the region.
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