Shimoga, February 07, 2024: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society®, Shimoga in collaboration with Nanjappa Life Care, Shimoga, Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences and McGann Hospital, Shimoga, Masters of Social Work, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, Shimoga and Caritas India, New Delhi observed the World Cancer Day on 07 February 2024. A jatha was organised to create awareness on the possible causes of cancer and the available treatment. The Jatha was flagged off at 9.45 AM from Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences campus, marched through B. H. Road and ended in Sacred Heart Cathedral campus. After the jatha awareness program was organised in the Sneha Sadana, Sacred Heart Cathedral Campus, Shimoga. Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of Chaitanya and the Secretary of The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society®, Shimoga presided over the programme. Dr Rajesh Suragihalli, District Health Officer, Shimoga, Dr Siddanagouda P., the District Surgeon, Dr T. D. Thimmappa, Medical Superintendent, SIMS, Shimoga, Dr Aravindan, Oncologist, Nanjappa Life Care, Shimoga, Dr Namratha Udupa, Oncologist, Nanjappa Life Care, Shimoga were on the dais who enlightened the students and other participants of the programme about the possible causes of cancer, the available treatment and other possible remedies.
Everyone in their speech noted that cancer is spreading at an alarming rate. The number of deaths due to cancer is drastically on the rise. Because of lack of exercise, consumption of junk, oily food, sickness is increasing. Presently cancer is detected even in small children. However if cancer is detected at an early stage and proper medication is provided, the person will live longer. Today better treatment is available for cancer. Under Ayushman card, BPL card, poor people can get better treatment for cancer. All the speakers advised the participants to undergo regular heath checkup and maintain healthy lifestyle.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto noted that SMSSS is creating awareness on cancer to different groups of people, more specifically the women of Self Help Groups since November 2019. The director also informed the participants that health camps and cancer detection camps are organised in different places in collaboration with Sarji Hospital, Shimoga, Nanjappa Life Care, Shimoga and Sahyadri Multispeciality Hospital, Shimoga. Monetary support is also given to cancer patients. It was informed that till date more than Rs. 12 lakh financial support is given to about 100 cancer patients within the three civil districts of Shimoga, Chitradurga and Davanagere.
On this occasion Mr Prakash, the Proprietor of Welcome Selection, Shimoga, who contributed Rs 50,000/- for Sparsha cancer care campaign was felicitated. The director noted that because of the generous financial support from different individuals SMSSS is able to support more cancer patients.
Mrs Shantha compered the programme. Mr Jagadeesha K. H. welcomed and thanked the dignitaries and the participants. The programme ended with Lunch at 1.00 PM.
