project for free cancer screening, treatment for poor launched

Coimbatore, Aug 20 (PTI): City based Gem Hospital andResearch Centre today launched its free cancer screening andtreatment program for benefit of poor people in South India. Under the project "care for life," initially three cancersurgeries will be performed in a week, with free hospitalcharges, drugs and consumables supplied by Rotary Clubs andGem Medical Trust, Dr C Palanivelu, Chairman of the Hospitalsaid, at the launch. Selection for free surgeries for any one from South Indiawould be done by a committee comprising those from GEM Doctorsand Rotary clubs, he said. Stating that laparoscopy is not available in Governmenthospitals, he said free treatment will be provided to the poorand underprivileged, with the most advanced cancer care. A separate bank account ‘Care for Life’ has been openedand any person or clubs can support this noble cause,which canbe done in the name of their parents or of their choice,he sai Patients would be informed about their sponsors, who canvisit them during surgery, Palanivelu said. The Care for Life Trust, started with a deposit of Rs50 lakh, Palanivelu said. PTI NVM APRAPR