The story of an institute that has gone to great lengths to achieve its mission of providing care for less privileged people

By Deepthi Sreenath

Originally conceived as a private venture by the city fathers in 1957, the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology was formally established when the Government of Karnataka took over the project in 1973. Since then, KMIO has been committed to serving economically strained cancer patients. The institute treats almost 20,000 new cancer patients every year, apart from following up with nearly 300,000 patients. With over 25 years of service, Dr. K B Linge Gowda, Director of KMIO, is all praise for the institute. “Through revolutionary treatment approaches and quality care, we have been able to serve a multitude of people coming from all walks of life,” he says. KMIO achieved autonomous status in 1980 and soon after, it was declared a regional cancer center by the Central government. Since then, the institute has been recognized by distinguished organizations like the WHO, the Union for International Cancer Control, and the Indian Council of Medical Research, among others. Through the decades, the institute has evolved, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. “By making people aware of the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection, we have witnessed a significant increase in the number of early detection cases, which means better recovery options for the patients,” says Dr. Gowda. The institute strongly believes that the next generation must put their knowledge and skillset to optimal use to improve existing diagnostic tools and better treatment procedures. “The institute conducts regular outreach programmes to screen and educate people in rural areas. We have a bunch of dedicated volunteers who assist these patients on a daily basis,” says Dr. Gowda. Although KMIO has seen a rise in the inflow of patients, lately, the hospital has been functioning on limited staff and finances. That has, however, not hampered its services. The past few years have seen an increase in the number of patients from north India and northeast India. In an attempt to make their stay easier, the institute provides free lodging facilities to almost 500 patients and bystanders. During the course of their stay, the patients can participate in yoga, handicraft training, cultural activities, devotional concerts, and lecture sessions hosted by academicians and psychologists.

A ROBOTIC SURGERY COSTS OVER INR 1 LAKH; THE INSTITUTE HAS PERFORMED MORE THAN 260 ROBOTIC SURGERIES FREE OF COST.

Since then, the institute has been recognized by distinguished organizations like the WHO, the Union for International Cancer Control, and the Indian Council of Medical Research, among others. Through the decades, the institute has evolved, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. “By making people aware of the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection, we have witnessed a significant increase in the number of early detection cases, which means better recovery options for the patients,” says Dr. Gowda. The institute strongly believes that the next generation must put their knowledge and skillset to optimal use to improve existing diagnostic tools and better treatment procedures. “The institute conducts regular outreach programmes to screen and educate people in rural areas. We have a bunch of dedicated volunteers who assist these patients on a daily basis,” says Dr. Gowda. Although KMIO has seen a rise in the inflow of patients, lately, the hospital has been functioning on limited staff and finances. That has, however, not hampered its services. The past few years have seen an increase in the number of patients from north India and northeast India. In an attempt to make their stay easier, the institute provides free lodging facilities to almost 500 patients and bystanders. During the course of their stay, the patients can participate in yoga, handicraft training, cultural activities, devotional concerts, and lecture sessions hosted by academicians and psychologists.

“By Making People Aware About Cancer And The Importance Of Early Detection, We Have Witnessed A Significant Increase In The Number Of Early Detection Cases, Which Means Better Recovery Options For The Patients.”

Dr Linge Gowda
Director, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology

Most often, patients and their families are anxious about treatment and treatment-related costs, but good communication and timely counseling can improve their state of mind, making treatment more effective. This is where KMIO steps in and works wonders for its patients and their caregivers, by advising and guiding them through the entire process, right from diagnosis to post-treatment care.

Last May, KMIO became the first government-run hospital in Karnataka to perform robotic surgery on a throat cancer patient. Says Dr. S Krishnamurthy, HOD, Department of Surgical Oncology and Medical Superintendent at KMIO: “Of the total INR 16 crore required for the application of robotic surgery to treat cancer patients, the government invested INR 12 crore and KMIO put in the rest.” Robotic surgery costs over INR 1 lakh; the institute has performed 260 robotic surgeries free of cost. In its efforts to lower treatment-related costs for people, KMIO, through the Kidwai Cancer Drug Foundation, sells anti-cancer drugs at rates 40-60 percent cheaper than market rates. Another way the institute is going above and beyond to help the less privileged is by providing free surgeries under the Vajpayee Arogyashree scheme. In everything it does, KMIO remains deep-rooted in its mission to provide quality care to the ones in need.