Manipal Hospital Rangapani has extended its flagship initiative ‘Anveshana – Medical Education for Media’ to Cooch Behar, aiming to strengthen awareness and access to advanced cancer care in North Bengal. The interactive session focused on the rising burden of cancer, the importance of early detection, and the availability of world-class treatment within the region. With cancer cases increasing steadily across North Bengal, experts highlighted that lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis remain major concerns. The programme sought to bridge this gap by equipping communities and media with accurate and easy-to-understand medical information.
Leading oncology specialists, Dr. Anirban Nag and Dr. Arkoprovo Halder, shared insights on cancer symptoms, myths, and advancements in treatment. “One of the biggest challenges we see in districts like Cooch Behar is late presentation of cancer cases,” said Dr. Nag, stressing that early detection significantly improves outcomes. Dr. Halder added that cancer treatment requires a combination of therapies tailored to each patient and noted that comprehensive care is now available locally.
The Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre at Rangapani offers chemotherapy, advanced radiation therapy, and complex surgeries, reducing the need for patients to travel to metro cities. The hospital also provides teleconsultation and regular OPDs in Cooch Behar to ensure timely diagnosis and specialist access. In Cooch Behar, improved access to advanced oncology services is expected to reduce patient outflow to metropolitan healthcare hubs, easing financial pressure on families while strengthening the local healthcare ecosystem. Increased awareness and availability of specialised treatment could also drive demand for diagnostic services and allied medical infrastructure in the district.
