Silchar, Feb 14: The north-eastern region has the highest incidence of cancer in India and is also burdened by higher prevalence of risk factors and inadequate cancer treatment facilities. With an objective to contribute to this matter of grave concern, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has joined hands with the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) which is making immense contribution providing equitable and accessible healthcare services to the cancer patients mainly from the underprivileged communities of Barak valley.

To facilitate work on cancer research, education and awareness under the expertise of CCHRC, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two institutions at Silchar on Monday. The MoU was signed by renowned oncologist Padma Shri Dr Ravi Kannan, Director, CCHRC and Prof G. D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, USTM in the presence of Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor, USTM; Dr R.M. Pant, Vice Chancellor, Assam University, Silchar; Dr Sujit Kumar Nandi Purkayastha, former Principal, Silchar Medical College & Chairman, Chachar Cancer Hospital Society; Dr Satya Ranjn Bhattacharjee, Vice Chairman, Chachar Cancer Hospital Society; Dr Bibhash Deb, Advisor, ERDF, apart from other dignitaries and guests.After ceremonial exchange of the copies of the MoU, Prof G. D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM said, “USTM and CCHRC shall collaborate to start joint PhD Programme in Cancer and Biomedical Research. CCHRC shall offer support in completion of Course work. We shall also start Fellowship Programs in Clinical Oncology, joint Bachelors and PG degrees in Hospital Management, Radiation Therapy Tech, Medical Lab Tech, Physician Assistant, Surgeon Assistant, etc.”

Dr. Ravi Kannan, Director of Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, said that both the institutions shall work in collaboration to set up an Advanced Cancer Research Centre at USTM to carry out throughput research in cancer related diseases of especially the north-eastern region.“We will extend facilities to a limited number of BSc & MSc students of USTM for internship and short duration summer/winter training programmes at CCHRC under the relevant guidelines. We will also provide necessary facility to the students and faculty of USTM to conduct various academic activities,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Chancellor of USTM, Mahbubul Hoque, said, “CCHRC is a comprehensive cancer care facility where nearly 80% of the patients are daily wage workers, agricultural and tea garden labourers and nearly 75% are treated for free or at subsidised charges. From now onwards CCHR will be authorized centre for research activities at USTM and we will extend all academic support and offer fellowships to conduct research etc.”

Hoque said further said that joint research projects shall be submitted under joint supervision to the concerned govt. departments/ agencies for funding so that cutting edge research can be pursued utilizing the expertise of both the institutes. The CCHRC will design courses on Cancer Biology for MSc and for BSc students and USTM shall start the Course from the next academic session.

Agreement between USTM and CCHRC as per the MoU

According to the MoU, specialized and short duration refresher courses, training programmes and project management courses on topics of interest to the Government/Industry/Academia can be jointly offered at USTM or CCHRC.

CCHRC will extend necessary facilities and resource persons to organize talks/ awareness programmes within or outside the University premises from time to time as part of their outreach initiatives.

CCHRC will offer support to USTM in completion of course work for all collaborated programmes and also help in joint development of curriculum for any such new programs.
On the other hand, USTM Research Fellowships shall be offered to the employees of CCHRC joining such Programmes.

Outreach activities like initiation of a Rural Clinic will get focus under the collaboration.
Joint supervision shall be extended to Research Scholars to work on development of Cell lines and develop a Cell Culture Centre.

Both the institutions will collaborate to design and run some Joint Diploma Courses.
Sophisticated Laboratory Facilities will be shared to facilitate the Research scientists and Research Scholars of both the organisations.

The CCHRC will also design some Value added courses to be implemented in various programmes of USTM.