Dhenkanal: There’s good news for the underserved rural communities in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district.
Tata Steel Foundation, in collaboration with Jamshedpur Cancer Society (JCS) through its hospital, Meherbai Tata Memorial Hospital (MTMH), launched a comprehensive mobile cancer screening initiative to improve access to early detection and treatment of the dreaded disease.
The Mobile Cancer Screening Unit (MCSU) was flagged off by Dr Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Dhenkanal, at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) here.
Hospital managers Dr Ranjan Kumar Samal and Binayak Panigrahi, representatives from Tata Steel Foundati
on, and members of the MTMH Mobile Cancer Screening team attended the launch event.
A live demonstration of screening procedures was conducted by Dr Prachi Singh, Medical Officer, Medical Oncology Team, MTMH.
The initiative, scheduled to run from January 2026 to March 2028, aims to bridge critical gaps in cancer care by offering end-to-end services — from community awareness and screening to diagnosis and referral for treatment. The programme will focus on oral, breast, and cervical cancers, enabling early detection and timely medical intervention.
The mobile unit will conduct monthly screening camps, complemented by awareness sessions to educate communities on cancer prevention, early warning signs and the importance of regular screening.
MTMH-trained master trainers will equip ASHA workers and frontline health staff to strengthen grassroots-level screening and referral mechanisms. Patients who require further medical attention will be referred to MTMH and supported in navigating treatment pathways, including access to relevant government health schemes.