The biggest hospital chain in Eastern India, Manipal Hospitals, has taken a big step towards creating a healthier and more prepared society on World No Tobacco Day. In collaboration with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Kolkata Chapter and with support from KSD Jain Dental College, they held an awareness session at Uttam Mancha in Kolkata. The program’s objectives were to raise awareness of the negative consequences of tobacco use and encourage early oral cancer detection.

The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries like Member of Legislative Assembly, Shri Debasish Kumar, Director, Writer & Actor Mr. Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Actors Srabanti Chatterjee and Sauraseni Maitra, Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional COO, Manipal Hospitals (East) and eminent oncology doctors from Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a unit of Manipal Hospitals Group).

The Manipal Foundation and the IDA Kolkata Chapter are planning to start a citywide project to hold free cancer screening camps in several wards of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation as part of their dedication to preventive healthcare. Through prompt intervention, education, and access to quality care, these screenings will seek to detect cancers in their early stages and stop the disease’s progression.

Dr. Sourav Datta, Senior Consultant & Director, Medical Oncology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a unit of Manipal Hospitals Group), said, “Almost half of the people in our nation have been afflicted with cancers caused by tobacco use. These startling figures demonstrate how tobacco use continues to be a major contributor to avoidable cancers, particularly oral cancers, which are currently among the most common cancers diagnosed in the nation. Our most powerful tool is early detection, which is where programs like ours are revolutionary. We are starting a citywide campaign to hold cancer screening camps in several Kolkata wards in partnership with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the IDA Kolkata Chapter, and the dedicated assistance of the Manipal Foundation. Reaching the most vulnerable communities, identifying cancers early and treatable, and—above all—educating people to permanently abstain from tobacco use are the three main goals of our mission”.

“As storytellers, we have the power to influence minds, but real change begins with awareness. I wanted to spread this message to as many people as possible when I made my film Kontho. I’m honoured to support Manipal Hospitals’ campaign to combat tobacco use and encourage people to put their health before their well-being,” said Shiboprosad Mukherjee.

In addition to community engagement initiatives targeted at youth and vulnerable groups, oncologists from Manipal Hospitals will hold screening camps throughout the boroughs of the Kolkata Municipality. Manipal Hospitals reaffirms its commitment to taking the lead in the battle against tobacco-related illnesses with its multifaceted strategy.

Priyanka Dutta