Actress and cancer survivor Lisa Ray, along with industrialist brothers Malvinder and Shivinder Singh, inaugurated the Fortis Cancer Institute in Mulund
The first specialised cancer care institute in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs was inaugurated today by actress Lisa Ray and industrialist brothers Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh, chairman and managing director, respectively, of the Fortis Healthcare Group.
The Fortis Cancer Institute, set up at Fortis Hospitals in Mulund, is equipped with the “most sophisticated radiation therapy equipment in India” and aims to provide “collective clarity about cancer to patients, and optimum care and treatment”.
With 150 beds in the oncology block, the institute offers comprehensive, customised treatment with dedicated consultants in medical, surgical and radiation oncology.
Fortis CEO Vishal Bali said the institute had acquired the latest technology that “could treat tumours and small lesions in the brain and other parts of the body quickly, with precision”.
“The VMAT [Volumetric Modulated ARC Therapy] technology helps to target the treatment area more accurately and reduces treatment time by 35-40%,” Bali said. “We are the first in the country to invest in this technology.”
Asked about the cost of treatment, Bali said, “We are working with other oncology foundations to cater to the affordability needs of our patients, since most people suffering from cancer in our country come from a low- or middle-economic background.”
Apart from the latest equipment, the institute has pictures on every wall carrying positive messages — especially in the waiting area. This has been done to help patients be strong and positive, because a positive attitude is as important as the medication and equipment used to combat cancer.
Lisa Ray, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) last year and underwent a stem cell transplant after which she was declared cured, said cancer taught her a lot about living with a positive attitude.
“It is not only about curing the body of the disease,” she said, “but also about identifying and healing the entire person, as cancer drastically affects one’s psychology.
“You will not receive support until you ask for it. Cancer is closely associated with fear and hence a person suffering from it may not be able to speak up. But it is important to openly share because that’s how it will bring you the required support. Be strong and never give up.”
Parvinder Singh, father of Malvinder and Shivinder Singh, was diagnosed with cancer in 1997. He died in 1999.
Malvinder Singh said, “Our father was our biggest inspiration. Ever since he was diagnosed with cancer, Shivinder and I dreamed of improving health care in India.
“This institute aims not only at providing a platform to doctors all over the world to come and practise, but also at encouraging people to come and get treated.”
Shivinder Singh said the Fortis Cancer Institute would aim to provide complete support, care and help to those fighting cancer.
Ray said she was fortunate to have received all the care and support she needed, especially from India. “Now it is my passion to support anyone who is ready to fight for the cause and that’s why I’m here today.”
India has the highest number of cancer patients in the world and about 20 lakh people are being diagnosed with the disease every year.
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