Indore Cancer Foundation Charitable Trust

2009	The President of India, Her Excellency Smt. Pratibha Patil presented a citation to Dr. Digpal Dharkar at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi, in recognition of his guidance and support to the Amravati Cancer Foundation. The Amravati Cancer Foundation, affiliated to the Indore Cancer Foundation, was started by Dr. Rajinder Singh Arora. The 7th anniversary of the Breast Cancer Support Group was celebrated on 2nd October 2009. Though October 2, 2009 was not a Sunday, it was decided to hold the programme on that day because the support group was started on 2nd October 2002. Being an anniversary celebration, those being treated for other cancers were invited. About 50 patients and their families attended the programme that was conducted by Ms. Renuka Tarey & Ms. Mitali Gokhale. The two keynote speakers, each a force to reckon with, covered different aspects of patients’ biosphere. The first, Mrs. Chaya Matange, a musician who underwent treatment for ovarian cancer, spoke of the beneficial effect of music during treatment, especially chemotherapy. She explained that music and its notes convey inner strength and can help augment one’s capacity to face any odds in life. The second, Mr. Vivek Hirde, who has been treated for cancer larynx, spoke on the importance of positive energy in life, any life and not just for a life with cancer. He shared his conviction that each cancer patient must become a role model for those others who will eventually follow so that they find the path illuminated by positive thinking. Dr. Tushar Phulambrikar, a working trustee of the Foundation, said that medical insurance is possible after a cancer diagnosis, and reimbursement can be claimed after three years of starting a policy. Unfortunately, not much of an effort is being made to make more and more cancer patients, without medical insurance, aware of this policy. Dr. Phulambrikar asked patients to doggedly pursue this option. Finally, there was also a live demonstration of wig making by Mr. Soni. The anniversary was also an opportunity to introspect and the outcome was the decision to change the format of BCSG. Henceforth, meetings will not be organized at fixed intervals, in short it will have a free flowing format and periodicity. 2 cancer detection camps (in Manasa & Mandsaur) were organized in which approximately 182 individuals in the high risk group were examined. Cancer awareness programmes were also held in Manasa & Mandsaur and these were attended by about 180 from the general public and medical fraternity. So far we have offered palliative care services to more than 850 patients. In February we invited 3 senior oncologists (1 medical oncologist – Dr. R. Gopal and 2 radiation oncologists – Dr. Nagraj Huilgol & Dr. BM Sood) to take stock of our work in their fields and give valuable tips on improving on the same. Dr. BM Sood also visited the government cancer hospital and gave hands on tips for brachytherapy planning. In June 2009, we started a separate kitchen facility for the dharamshala residents. It is a small unit right next to the dharamshala where the inmates can do their daily cooking without creating any fire and cooking gas hazard for the other inmates.
2008	The Bhabhatron II machine acquired through a grant from the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India started treating patients from 23.08.2008. 5 camps (in Chhindwara, Chhatarpur, Neemuch, Shamgarh & Mandsaur), both diagnostic and surgical were organized. 387 patients were examined and given required treatment & advice. Training programmes on early detection of cancer were conducted for doctors and paramedical staff in Chhindwara, Chhatarpur and Mandsaur. The Breast Cancer Support Group meetings were held as per schedule, a picnic was organized on one of the occasions.
2007	A grant-in-aid of Rupees One crore twenty five lakh only (Rs. 1 25 00 000/-) was given by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India for the purchase of a Bhabhatron II radiotherapy cobalt unit. 4 detection camps held in: Ambikapur, Chattisgarh (50 patients examined), Sehore and Guna (120 patients examined), Awareness programmes held: in Ambikapur (attended by members of the local chapter of Indian Medical Association), Guna (attended by the members of the local chapter of Indian Medical Association). A stall giving information on cancer awareness at ‘UtsAha!’ organized by Indian Institute of Management Indore. A workshop organized for doctors from Indore. Dr. R. Gopal, a Senior Medical Oncologist from Mumbai, addressed the doctors. During his visit, Dr. Gopal also offered his advice to select chemotherapy patients. 60 student participants at the Round Square conference organized by Daly College, visited the institute to get first hand information on the work being done by the Foundation and to interact with some of the patients. The highlight of the Breast Cancer Support Group activities was the 8 day yoga shivir. One of the meetings that was converted into a day long affair turned out to be a huge success.
2006	Received recognition from the state government of Madhya Pradesh under its Rajya Bimari Sahayata Nidhi. We can now offer cancer treatment to state government employees and their families. The state government will also reimburse us for treating BPL (Below the Poverty Line) cancer patients. The Rotary Club of Indore North (RI-Dist-3040) & Rotary Club of Seoul Poukak (Korea) (RI-Dist-3650) donated an ambulance cum patient carrier under the Matching Grant Program of the Rotary Foundation Year – 2006. 5 diagnostic camps held: Budhni (610 patients seen, 37 advised to come to Indore for further investigations/treatment), Nasrullahganj (251 patients seen, 23 advised to come to Indore for further investigation/treatment), Guna (601 patients seen, 53 advised to come to Indore for further investigations/treatment), Vidisha (30 patients seen, 11 advised to come to Indore for further investigation/treatment), again in Guna (320 patients seen, 30 advised to undergo further investigation/treatment) Training programmes on early detection of cancer were conducted for doctors and paramedical staff in Guna (68 doctors participated), Vidisha (70 doctors participated). Awareness programmes held in: Guna (attended by general practioners, elected representatives of panchayats, members of the local chapter of Indian Medical Association, members of the press and members of the GAIL Officers’ Club) Chhindwara (attended by the local chapter of Indian Medical Association), Dewas (attended by ANMs), Indore (supervisors of the Women & Child Welfare Department, Madhya Pradesh Government, members of women’s clubs, students at the Barli Development Institute for Rural Women) . Diagnostic & surgery camp in Chhindwara, 350 patients examined and 27 minor and major surgeries performed. The Breast Cancer Support Group held its 6 meetings of the year. A positive trend observed in 2006 was the increase in the average number of participants at each meeting. The work of the group is now managed by 2 new coordinators: Mrs. Sunita Gupte, a counselor and daughter-in-law of a support group member; and Mrs. Renuka Tare, a lecturer who has received treatment for breast cancer.
2005	Training in early detection of cancer imparted to approximately 611 doctors and paramedical staff of the government district health set up. A Board of Working Trustees was constituted. Some donations received: State Bank of India - a cheque of Rs. Twenty two lakh sixty two thousand only (Rs. 22 62 000/-) towards the purchase of a new source for our cobalt machine. Bhaskar Exxoils ltd. - a cheque of Rs. Eight lakh seventy five thousand only (Rs. 8 75 000/-) for the purchase of equipment at our Institute of Head & Neck Oncology. Shri Sohanlal Sanghi Charitable Trust - a cheque of Rs. Five lakh only (Rs. 5 00 000/-). Maharashtra Foundation, New York/Mumbai - cheques totaling Rs. One lakh sixty six thousand six hundred and thirty two only (Rs. 1 66 632/-). Smt. Gigibai Sitaram Deora Rural Development & Research Foundation - a cheque of Rs. One lakh fifty one thousand only (Rs. 1 51 000/-). The family of Late Smt. Indumati Kulkarni - a cheque of Rupees Fifty thousand only (Rs. 50 000/-), this is the fourth consecutive year that they have made a donation.
2004	Successful conduct of 2 WHO funded palliative care sensitization programmes for doctors from Rajasthan and Chattisgarh at Jaipur and Raipur.
2003	The family of late Shri Arvind Mungre gives a donation in his memory. Dr. KA Dinshaw, Director, Tata Memorial Centre on a 3 day visit to review our outreach activities. Mr. KD Gabbad, General Manager of the Foundation passed away. The feature of organizing an Open House on the day the Foundation was set up, started. Donors invited to the Indian Institute of Head & Neck Oncology, Rau, to see the work that has been done with the help of their support. Accounts kept available for them to scrutinize if they should so wish.
2002	Hon. Union Minister of State, Mrs. Vasundhara Raje inaugurates the IDBI Rehabilitation Centre. Started: the tradition of formally acknowledging and thanking individuals and organizations for their support to the Foundation. The acknowledgement could be in the form of conferring the Honorary Membership of the Foundation, or the presentation of the Roll of Honor or Certificate of Appreciation. The rural outreach activities of the Foundation appreciated by the state government of Madhya Pradesh at a function in district Sehore. Tragic loss: The Foundation loses one of its most dedicated doctors, radiotherapist Dr. Shrikant Shastri, in a road accident while the ICF team was returning after the completion of another camp. Successful conduct of a WHO funded palliative care sensitization programme for doctors from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan & Gujarat. Enhancement of our patient support group activities with the setting up of the Breast Cancer Support Group.
2001	The State Bank of Indore gifts a sonography machine. MOU signed with the Oxford International Centre for Palliative Care.
2000	First surgical camp held with the support of district administration. Dharamshala constructed by Lions Club Mahanagar Indore becomes operational.
1999	The Institute starts a graded charges system. AUSAID funded project on the �development of a district based model for Palliative Care' successfully completed.
1998	Third AUSAID support � for a pilot project � Development of a district based model for the palliative care of terminally ill cancer patients�. Visit to Institute by the French Ambassador, Mr. Claude Blanchemaison. Laryngectomy club started. The Sau Indirabai Holkar Public Charitable Trust gifts a Maruti Omni ambulance.
1997	President of the Republic of India, the late Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma is apprised of the activities of the Indore Cancer Foundation through an exclusive audio-visual presentation. 1st visit by Dr. Robert Twycross, Macmillan Clinical Reader in Palliative Medicine, Oxford University. Indore Mastectomy Club started.
1996	Prof. SK Mukherjee Memorial Annual Oration instituted. Prof. Francois Demard, Director, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France, delivers the 1st Oration. Ministry of Health, Government of India, gives grant for the organisation of cancer detection and education activities under its National Cancer Control Programme. Construction of the IDBI rehabilitation center and the Japanese oral cancer prevention center started. State Bank of India gave a donation of Rs. 15 25 000/- for the purchase of a new radiation source for radiotherapy unit donated by the Nargis Dutt Foundation, Ottawa-Hull, Canada. Poster presentation on �cancer pain and its psycho-social impact� at the World Psychiatry Congress, Madrid, Spain.
1995	Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology starts totally free radiotherapy treatment. WHO funded project � Incidence of cancer pain in rural areas� starts. The Vatsala & Narayan Bhouraskar Public Charitable Trust gives the use of its bungalow at Jhaveri Colony, Indore, for the activities of the Foundation. AUSAID gifts Mobile Cancer Pain Relief Van.
1994	Scientific data of the WHO project presented at the 16th International Cancer Congress (UICC) in New Delhi, India. Indore Cancer Foundation recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. AusAID (Australian grant) received for the organisation of cancer detection and awareness camps in rural areas.
1993	WHO supported �Community oral cancer control and prevention' project initiated. 1st Indo-French workshop held.
1992	The head and neck cancer centre included in the 7th Indo-French Joint Commission on Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Article 10.
1991	Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation, Ottawa Hull, Canada gifts a telecobalt machine. Government of the state of Madhya Pradesh gives 10 acres of land to set up the Indian Institute of Head & Neck Oncology.
1990	1st visit by Dr. Jan Stjernsward, Chief, Cancer Unit, WHO. Foundation registered under the Madhya Pradesh Public Trust Act 1951.
1989	Cancer detection and awareness camps in rural areas started First training programme organised. Trust settled by Her Highness, Mrs. Ushadevi Holkar, and her husband Mr. SC Melhotra.
1988	Indore Cancer Foundation launched.
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