Begins treatment for first patient

In a significant milestone for cancer care in Navi Mumbai, the first chemotherapy treatment was successfully administered at the newly inaugurated Cancer Day Care Centre at Maasaheb Meenatai Thackeray Hospital, Nerul, under the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC).

This facility aims to provide convenient and accessible cancer treatment to local residents, marking a key development in enhancing healthcare services within the city.

For years, Navi Mumbai residents had to travel to private hospitals or Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai for cancer treatments, a challenge that involved long journeys, waiting times, and added financial stress. Recognizing this need, Dr. Kailas Shinde, Commissioner of NMMC, supported the formation of a local chemotherapy facility to serve the community.

In partnership with Tata ACTREC, NMMC’s Health Department has established a 10-bed Day Care Chemotherapy Unit at Maasaheb Meenatai Thackeray Hospital. The facility is designed to offer chemotherapy treatments in a more comfortable and efficient manner, allowing patients to receive treatment without the need for prolonged hospital stays.

The new centre officially opened with the administration of the first chemotherapy dose to a patient on Friday, 17^th January. Medical teams from NMMC and Tata ACTREC were present to supervise the procedure, ensuring the highest standards of care. The Day Care Chemotherapy service allows patients to undergo treatment and return home the same day, reducing the strain of continuous hospitalizations.

The centre operates from 8:00 a.m., staffed by trained physicians, nurses, and specialists from Tata ACTREC. Initially, patients with solid tumours will be treated, with the first dose of chemotherapy given at Tata ACTREC, followed by subsequent doses at the Day Care Centre, as long as the patient’s condition allows for outpatient care.

“This new service is expected to alleviate the burden of long-distance travel for cancer patients in the region, ensuring they can access critical treatment locally. By improving accessibility and reducing waiting times, NMMC is committed to enhancing the overall experience of cancer patients in Navi Mumbai”, stated Dr. Shinde.