Shillong, May 8: In a first-of-its-kind effort in Northeast India, the DAE-Civil Hospital Cancer Wing in Shillong has launched a VR-Assisted Guided Imagery Therapy and Study to support cancer patients undergoing chemo-radiation.
The initiative brings together cutting-edge technology and compassionate care to address one of the most overlooked aspects of cancer treatment—emotional and psychological well-being.
Driven by the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya, in collaboration with Ojaska Labs LLP and supported by SMRATA Trust, the project aims to use Virtual Reality (VR) to reduce treatment-related distress, offering cancer patients immersive, calming experiences to help manage symptoms like anxiety, pain, nausea, and fatigue.
The launch event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalizing the partnership between the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, Ojaska Labs LLP, and SMRATA Trust. Together, they aim to set a new national standard in digital therapeutics for oncology.
“Through VR-Assisted Guided Imagery, we are introducing a powerful tool that not only addresses physical symptoms like pain and fatigue but also brings relief from the emotional burden of chemotherapy and radiation,” said Dr. Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Health Department, expressing his vision for a more humane and holistic approach to cancer care.
Unlike traditional therapies, this intervention allows patients to virtually escape to tranquil environments—forests, oceans, mountains—through guided audio-visual sessions tailored to their treatment timelines. The VR content is available in English, Khasi, and Hindi, making it inclusive and accessible.
The therapy is structured around critical phases of a patient’s treatment journey:
1.Before treatment, sessions help patients mentally prepare.
2.During radiation therapy, which typically occurs every five days, VR experiences are tailored to alleviate real-time stress and discomfort.
3.For weekly chemotherapy sessions, calming visuals and audio cues help combat nausea and fatigue.
At the end of the treatment cycle, inner healing sessions provide emotional closure and strength for recovery.
Dr. Sarat Addanki, Chairman of SMRATA and Ojaska Labs, gave a detailed presentation outlining the science behind the initiative, highlighting how guided imagery combined with VR can significantly reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Also Read: Advisory to OTT platforms and intermediaries to stop broadcasting Pakistan-origin content
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
