HCMCT Manipal Hospital Launches Special Cancer OPD in Guwahati to Improve Access to Expert Care
In a significant step towards strengthening cancer care in Northeast India, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka (New Delhi), has launched a dedicated Oncology Outpatient Department (OPD) in Guwahati, enabling patients to access specialist consultations without travelling outside the state for advanced cancer care.
The special Oncology OPD will be held on the second Sunday of every month from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at UHS, Vista Super Specialty Clinic, Lachit Nagar, Guwahati. Consultations will be conducted by Dr. Bikram Kumar Deka, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka.
The initiative comes at a time when cancer cases are steadily increasing across the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India’s cancer burden is expected to double by 2050, with gastrointestinal, breast, lung, oral and cervical cancers among the most commonly diagnosed malignancies.
Speaking on the launch, Dr. Deka said there has been a consistent rise in the number of patients with suspected or confirmed cancer, making regular screening, early diagnosis and timely access to specialist care more important than ever. He said the new OPD aims to ensure that patients in Assam and the Northeast receive expert consultation at an early stage, improving treatment outcomes.
Dr. Deka pointed out that oral cancer is particularly prevalent in Assam due to widespread consumption of betel nut, tobacco, alcohol and very hot food. He added that changing lifestyles, increased consumption of high-calorie diets, obesity, delayed marriage and late pregnancies have also contributed to the rising incidence of cancer across India.
He emphasised that while many cancers can be effectively treated if detected early, patients with advanced or complex cancers now have access to minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, which offer greater precision, quicker recovery and better clinical outcomes.
Highlighting the importance of long-term patient care, Dr. Deka said cancer management does not end with successful treatment. The physical impact of chemotherapy and radiotherapy can lead to other health complications even after the disease is cured, making post-treatment monitoring and rehabilitation equally important.
Hospital authorities said the specialised Oncology OPD is aimed at making advanced cancer care more accessible to patients across Northeast India while ensuring seamless, high-quality treatment at every stage of their healthcare journey.
Manipal Hospitals currently operates 49 hospitals across 24 cities in India, with a network of more than 12,600 beds, 11,000 doctors, and over 34,000 healthcare professionals, providing treatment to more than 8 million patients annually.
