RGCIRC celebrates silver jubilee with thanksgiving to medical professionals

RGCIRC (Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre), acclaimed as one of Asia’s leading cancer care centres is celebrating the completion of 25 glorious years. However, instead of a grand celebration, a quieter ceremony marked the occasion recently with thanksgiving to all the medical professionals who sacrificed their comforts and lives in serving humanity through one of the toughest health emergencies ever witnessed.

Besides lamp lighting and a prayer session, the silver jubilee celebration witnessed the unveiling of a new state-of-the-art MRI centre and facilities to improve patients’ convenience like escalators.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rakesh Chopra, Chairman Governing Council of RGCIRC said “The 25 years of RGCIRC can easily represent ‘the art of making it possible’. RGCIRC today is a manifestation of a dream envisioned by few self-less philanthropists with frugal resources but strong determination to provide qualitative and affordable cancer care”.

“This is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to achieve excellence in cancer care with a human touch. RGCIRC has carved a unique niche for itself as a standalone oncology care centre. The philosophy of leveraging technology, research, motivated human resource and innovation will continue to guide us as we look with new resolve to next 25 years”, said Mr D S Negi, CEO of RGCIRC.

“The growing incidence of cancer in the country has brought into sharp relief the need for strengthening the healthcare infrastructure of the country. RGCIRC, with its not-for-profit character and thereby offering affordable healthcare as per International Standards, can act as a beacon of hope to support the public health infrastructure”, said Dr. Sudhir Rawal, Medical Director, RGCIRC.

RGCIRC Governing Council members including Mr Pramod Maheshwari, Ms Jyotsna Govil, Mr Ashok Agarwal & Mr Arun Batra also graced the momentous occasion. Dr Gauri Kapoor, Medical Director of RGCIRC Niti Bagh reminisced about her association with the institute lasting 25 years.

On the occasion, RGCIRC offered its heartfelt gratitude to a large number of organisations especially S.J. Jindal Trust Bangalore, IOCL, ONGC, BPCL, Dr S K Burman Trust, EIL & the Govt. of Germany who contributed immensely in shaping up the institute in its infancy.

Ever since its inception in 1996, RGCIRC has touched the lives of more than 2.85 Lakh patients. The institute has several firsts to its credit including the first hospital in India to begin robotic surgery for cancer patients, first hospital in India to install true beam for precision radiotherapy and first hospital in India to set up a molecular laboratory.

Spread over nearly 2 Lakh square feet area, with a current capacity of 500 beds, RGCIRC is one of the largest tertiary cancer care centres in the country. RGCIRC has 14 state-of-the-art well equipped modular Operation Theatres with three-stage air filtration and gas scavenging systems, and 2 Minor Operation Theatres for Day Care Surgeries.