Inauguration of the Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre and Research Institute (BSCCRI) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently inaugurated the Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre and Research Institute (BSCCRI) in Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the renowned Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Bengaluru. This new facility represents a major boost to cancer care infrastructure in Odisha and adjacent regions by making advanced treatments accessible under one roof.

With 750 beds, cutting-edge radiotherapy and chemotherapy facilities, dedicated research labs and affordable care policies, the BSCCRI exemplifies an impact-oriented public-private partnership model addressing a critical healthcare gap. CM Patnaik's inauguration underscores the Odisha government's commitment to elevating oncology services for enhancing survival outcomes. The collaboration brings proven expertise from Sri Shankara's Bengaluru center which provides gold-standard comprehensive cancer care.

Vision for Comprehensive Cancer Care

The inauguration of BSCCRI marks an important milestone in strengthening Odisha's cancer care capabilities in line with CM Patnaik's vision of enabling universal access to quality oncology diagnosis and treatment.

With rising cancer incidence, advanced multimodal facilities under one roof are imperative for early detection and specialized care across cancer types which improves survival chances. BSCCRI has been envisaged to provide comprehensive cancer management spanning screening, diagnosis, intervention and palliative care.

Besides treatment, it will focus on counseling, rehabilitation and palliative support recognizing the psycho-social impact of cancer. Equipped with the latest technologies and highly qualified professionals, the center aims to elevate Odisha's cancer care ecosystem to match global benchmarks.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

BSCCRI boasts a gamut of cutting-edge facilities and treatment capacities:

Inpatient Care: 750 bed strength with ICU, advanced diagnostics, modular OTs, specialized wards etc.

Radiation Therapy: Capable of serving 300 patients daily through high-precision techniques like IMRT, IGRT, SRS, Proton Beam Therapy etc. along with radio-surgery facilities.

Medical Oncology: 150 chemotherapy sessions per day. Pharmaco-vigilance systems for patient safety in chemo care.

Surgical Oncology: Sophisticated modular OTs and post-op care for complex precision cancer surgeries.

Molecular Oncology: Research labs for personalized medicine through genomic testing of tumors, liquid biopsies etc. along with molecular diagnostics.

Palliative Care: Inpatient and home-based palliative care using multi-disciplinary approach encompassing physical, psychosocial and spiritual wellbeing.

Alternative Medicine: Integrative therapies like ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga etc. to alleviate side effects and boost immunity.

Collaborative Model for Establishment

The BSCCRI has been established through a landmark collaboration between Odisha government and Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru which has eminent credentials in providing affordable quality cancer care.

Odisha Government's Contributions

-  Allotment of 10 acres land in Bhubaneswar for constructing hospital complex

-  Rs 410 crore financial grant covering construction costs

-  Committing to provide utilities like water, electricity etc.

-  Supporting resource mobilization from private donors

Sri Shankara's Role

-  Providing complete technical guidance, SOPs, hiring protocols to replicate Bengaluru success

-  Training Odisha medical teams on specialized cancer care

-  Formulating research focus aligned to regional incidence patterns

-  Guiding operationalization as an affordable charitable hospital

The collaborative model thereby synergizes government funding and land resources with Sri Shankara's proficiency in administering cancer care hospitals.

Affordable Care Model

As a non-profit charitable center, BSCCRI aims to serve patients irrespective of paying capacity through various provisions:

• Significant proportion of patients to receive free or highly subsidized treatment
• Focus on providing affordable care by rationalizing operational costs and leveraging philanthropic funding
• Tie ups with government for coverage of BPL patients under health schemes
• Installments-based payment models and mediation of expenses for economically weaker patients
• Focus on early screening to reduce treatment cost burden
• Counseling and assistance on availing financial aid from charitable organizations

The affordable care philosophy aims to relieve the economic anxieties surrounding cancer treatment for needy patients, thereby encouraging timely care seeking.

The inauguration of BSCCRI heralds a new chapter in enhancing access to quality cancer care services in Odisha and nearby regions. Bringing advanced oncology treatment along with research and affordable care under one roof would provide timely and specialized care options improving outcomes for the people of Odisha.