“There has been a substantial rise in the incidence of cancer among young children in India. However it is reassuring that most forms of childhood cancers are completely curable since a child’s body responds more positively to the treatment than an adult’s would. Early detection is key to treat the affected,” said Dr Aruna Rajendran, Consultant Pediatric Hemato Oncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician.

VS Hospitals on Friday launched VS Children’s Hospital – Institute of Pediatric Hemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, a dedicated centre to provide the whole gamut of treatments for cancers in children.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Aruna said, “The centre will offer full-fledged pediatric ICU care and it is equipped with high-end diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment. In fact we have setup a dedicated blood bank to ensure timely availability of quality specialised blood components.”

“This unit is one of the first dedicated centers in India exclusively for pediatric cancer care set up with the mission to provide personalised care for children who suffer from various forms of cancers. A comprehensive team of pediatric oncologists, pediatric surgeons and radiation oncologists provide round the clock care for the children. The centre will function in collaboration with international experts from the London Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Society (LPHOS),” said VS Group of Hospitals chairman and managing director, Prof Dr S Subramanian.

The centre was launched by Tamilnadu Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Finance, K Shanmugam, Chennai Municipal Administration, Commissioner, D Karthikeyan in the presence of Life Again Foundation founder Gautami Tadimalla, Tiara Haemophilia and Cancer Foundation, founder and managing trustee, Aparna Guhan Shyam and Pediatric Intensive Care Specialist, Harley Street Clinic, London, Dr Selva Annamalai.