A group of oncologists under their “Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign” introduced a second opinion helpline number for cancer patients.
The second opinion helpline number is “9355520202” and it would be functional from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday. Cancer patients can directly speak to oncologists by calling this number or they even do a video call to converse about their treatment.
Dr. Ashish Gupta, the chief of medical oncology at Unique Hospital Cancer Centre in Dwarka in Delhi is leading the campaign. He said that it can be accessed by anyone in the country and promises to be a game changer in the fight against cancer. He expressed, a second opinion is recommended to almost all patients who have been diagnosed with cancer as it is a matter of life and death. It is also important if their condition does not improve despite treatment or if their diagnosis or treatment is in doubt. He also said that for cancer treatment, costs may be high and vary from hospital to hospital, so cost is another major reason to get a second opinion.
Dr. Ashish said that this helpline would work as a valuable resource for individuals who encounter the disconcerting challenge of cancer, providing them the opportunity to consult experienced oncologists without the burden of financial limitations. This free-of-cost second opinion helpline would aid in verifying that the patients receive the most authentic and up-to-date information about their condition and treatment choices.
While sharing the motive behind the initiation of this helpline number, Dr. Ashish said that there has been a rapid increase in the number of cancer cases in India and there is a scarcity of healthcare facilities and healthcare doctors. In the swiftly progressing field of cancer treatment, where new medicines and innovative therapies are frequently emerging, a second opinion becomes invaluable Dr. Ashish said.
He also expressed that with constant research, they are noticing developments in cancer care that were unthinkable just a few years ago. These developments interpret in better results and ameliorate the quality of life for cancer patients. He also said that the second opinion helpline makes sure that the patients can tap into these developments and receive updates on the most effective treatments available.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Lavanya Beeraboina/MSM)