Tag: oncology

Warning Issued Against Artificially Ripened Watermelons: Health Risks Highlighted
In preparation for Ramadan, Dr. Wajahat MD, a Clinical Oncologist and Regional Head of Pal Care Foundation, has issued a crucial warning regarding the consumption of artificially ripened watermelons.
Through a comprehensive social media post, Dr. Wajahat sheds light on the dangers associated with chemically-treated watermelons and emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness.
This is no watermelon season, Say NO to artificially ripened watermelon this Ramadan. Save yourself from chemicals and later on chemotherapy.
— Dr Wajahat. MD (@oncologycorner) March 8, 2024

Here are the key points highlighted in his message:
- Adulterants Used in Watermelon:
1. Forchlorofenuron: A growth accelerator that promotes rapid cell division and delays cell death, enhancing the fruit’s size artificially.
2. Erythrosine-B (Red-B): Injected to give the watermelon a bright red color, making it visually appealing but potentially harmful.
- Chemicals Used in Artificial Ripening:
1. Oxytocin: Frequently used for quick ripening but unsafe for human consumption, leading to stomach aches and potential nervous breakdowns if overdosed.
2. Calcium Carbide: Releases Ethylene upon contact with moisture, hastening the ripening process. However, it can cause adverse effects ranging from mild headaches to deadly cancer.
- Identification of Adulteration:
1. Lack of Taste: Growth enhancers promote cell division at speeds higher than natural, resulting in a bland taste.
2. Water Test: Cutting a small slice and placing it in water can reveal the presence of red color agents if the water changes color quickly.
3. Time Delay Test: A method for further verification.
- Best Practices While Shopping for Watermelon:
1. Look for a pale yellow patch, indicating natural ripening.
2. Check for web-like spots, suggesting pollination by bees.
3. Pay attention to the tail color, which should be dry and dark black or brown for naturally ripened watermelons. Adulterated ones may have a green stalk.
- Importance of Industry Responsibility:
- Dr. Wajahat emphasizes that sellers have a responsibility to ensure the quality and safety of the produce they offer. This includes rigorous checks to prevent the sale of adulterated watermelons.
- Educational Purpose:
- The tweet serves as an educational tool to raise awareness among consumers about the risks associated with consuming chemically-treated watermelons.
- Call for Action:
- As Ramadan approaches, consumers are urged to make informed choices and prioritize their health by avoiding artificially ripened watermelons.
Dr. Wajahat’s advocacy highlights the need for industry-wide accountability and regulation to ensure the availability of safe and unadulterated produce. As consumers, it is essential to remain vigilant and prioritize health over convenience, especially during festive seasons when demand for certain fruits is high.

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March 12, 2024
Hyderabad: New oncology block inaugurated at Mehdi Nawaj Jung cancer hospital

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Hyderabad: Telangana Health Minister Harish Rao inaugurated the oncology care block at Mehdi Nawaz Jung Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad on Sunday as the state is gearing up to provide modern super-specialty facilities for cancer treatment.
The government has provided these modern facilities in collaboration with Aurobindo Pharma Foundation. The new eight-storey 300-bed carrier block has been developed by Aurobindo Pharma Foundation with Rs 80 crore. Harish Rao along with Union Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy inaugurated the new block.
He said that with the inauguration of the new block, the number of beds in cancer hospitals will increase to 750. He said the Telangana government has spent Rs 60 crore on the development of MNJ Cancer Hospital. He also expressed gratitude to the Aurobindo Pharma Foundation for the development of the new block.

He said that there will be separate departments for women and children in the new block. Teachers and libraries have been arranged for children who want to continue their education during treatment.
Bone Nero transplant and other modern treatment facilities will be available, which can cost up to Rs 10 lakh, but this treatment will be provided to the poor under the Argyashree scheme, and medicines will also be provided free of cost throughout life.
He said that the previous governments did not pay attention to the provision of modern super-specialty facilities. KCR has ensured modern treatment along with the provision of basic facilities in government hospitals. In the coming years, patients will get 10,000 bedded super-specialty facilities in government hospitals. In addition to MNJ cancer hospitals, these facilities will be provided in NIMS, Osmania, and Gandhi hospitals as well.
Earlier, Harish Rao had launched a mobile cancer screening bus, a CT scan, and a Dental X-ray OPG machine at the state-run Mehdi Nawaz Jung (MNJ) Cancer Hospital in Lakdikapul on the occasion of World Cancer Day. The cancer screening bus has equipment that can screen cervical, breast, and oral cancers, the minister informed.

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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 17, 2023
Hyderabad: Harish Rao inaugurates new oncology block at MNJ Cancer Institute

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Hyderabad: Finance and health minister Harish Rao inaugurated the new oncology block at MNJ Cancer Institute on Sunday. This new block was constructed from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of Rs 80 crore delivered by the Aurobindo Pharma group.
MNJ is the second-largest hospital for cancer treatment in the government sector in the country. The new block has a special women’s wing and pediatric wing. A library and a teacher will be set up in the pediatric wing to ensure that the education of the children who come for treatment is not affected, and they will provide education along with treatment.
The facility spans over 2,32,000 square feet and is composed of 8 floors (cellar, lower ground, ground + 5 floors) with a total bed capacity of 300.

The new block has increased the number of beds to 750 and the government has facilitated the block with other services at a cost of Rs 60 crores.
All floors are interconnected with a staircase, ramp and lift with high-end features such as 30 wardrooms, 2 operation theatres, 12 consultation rooms, 2 radiology bunkers, 8 bone marrow transplant rooms, dedicated paediatric and adolescent ICUs, diagnostic rooms (CT scan), microbiology and chemistry labs, besides a proper kitchen and dining rooms.
This facility will introduce genetics and molecular labs, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This new block will not only provide specialised and supportive services but also a research centre allowing to reach more patients in need with improved capacity and efficiency.
The hospital has set up a special ward for Bone Marrow Transplantation, to whom medicines are given free of charge for life under Arogya Shri. Features such as dedicated paediatric and adolescent wards and targeted radiotherapy will also be enhanced.
Speaking at the occasion, minister Harish Rao expressed his pleasure at the opening of the new block in the historic hospital.

“Medical services have been greatly strengthened in Telangana state under the leadership of CM KCR. Hospitals like Gandhi, Osmania, NIMS, and ANJ have been strengthened. On the other hand, with the expansion of four TIMs, Warangal Health City, and NIMS, the government is making 10 thousand super speciality beds available, which will be available in another year,” he added.
The government is setting up nine additional medical colleges this year bringing the total to 55 medical colleges, up from 20 in 2014. Medical seats will also be increased to 7990 from the earlier 2950.
Since the advent of Telangana, Rs 800 crore Arogya Shree has been spent in relation to cancer with Rs 137 crores being spent only on cancer patients only last year.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy will also be made available in the districts for cancer patients. The state will also develop diagnostic centres for cancer detection.
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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 16, 2023
Hyderabad: MNJ Cancer Hospital’s new oncology block ready for launch

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Hyderabad: The construction of the state-of-the-art 300-bedded oncology block built at a cost of Rs 80 crore in the Telangana government-run MNJ Cancer Hospital campus has been completed and is expected to be inaugurated very soon.
This new block was constructed from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds delivered by the Aurobindo Pharma group.
The Oncology block has a total built-up area of 2,32,000 square feet on an extent of 2 acres of land and consists of a cellar, lower ground, ground plus five floors with a total bed capacity of 300 and all floors are interconnected with a staircase, ramp and lift.
The facilities in this block will provide specialized and supportive cancer services to poor patients who come to MNJ Cancer Hospital from Telangana and neighbouring states, a press release informed
The Foundation has also provided several facilities to ensure the smooth running of the facility such as a well-equipped with oxygen pipelines and cylinders, ICU beds and curtains, furniture for doctor consultation rooms, waiting areas, fire safety systems (fire hydrant, sprinkler, public address systems and fire extinguishers), HVAC systems, lifts, emergency exits, transformer yard, main power control room and lightning arrestors.
With the establishment of the Aurobindo oncology block, MNJ Institute of Oncology and State Cancer Institute will be able to increase their capacity and accommodate more patients, the press note further said.
“Furthermore, through the Aurobindo oncology block, enhanced specialised services such as a bone marrow transplant facility, children and adolescent wards, underground bunkers for targeted radiotherapy and genetics and molecular labs will also become accessible to patients. With these facilities, MNJ Institute of Oncology and State Cancer Institute will be further strengthened and will able to reach more patients and provide life-saving treatment to many. Moreover, patients from underprivileged communities will be able to access quality treatment and state-of-the-art services at no cost,” it said.
K Nityananda Reddy, Director, APF, and Managing Director & Vice Chairman, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, said, “We are happy to extend our support to MNJ Institute of Oncology and State Cancer Institute, which will make quality health care available to all. This will help to improve the quality of life of people and make advanced healthcare accessible and affordable for all”.

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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 28, 2023