The aim of MOG is to bring oncologists together to ensure standardised oncology care to the patients suffering from cancer.
Medical oncologists in the state have come forward to form an oncologist group, which will take shape shortly. The decision to float the group, Maharashtra Oncology Group (MOG), has been taken to help standardise oncology care not only in Pune but all over Maharashtra. The chairperson of the group and medical oncologist of Jehangir Hospital, Dr Shona Nag, spoke to DNA about the plans and programmes of the group.
Is MOG the first oncology group of the state?
Yes, MOG is the first such group in the state. There are 70 to 80 oncologists in the group from all over the state, including some from rural areas as well. There are doctors from Dhule, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Miraj, Sangli and other cities as well. From Pune, there are 20 doctors in the group. The process of forming the group started way back in 2008 but due to certain reasons the registration of the MOG was delayed. But in the next two weeks it will be officially floated.
What are the aims and plans of MOG?
The aim of MOG is to bring oncologists together to ensure standardised oncology care to the patients suffering from different kinds of cancer. We have held three conferences involving our members in the past. But the organisation would be more proactive once it is launched formally. The website of MOG too will be upgraded where all the details about the meetings, conferences and standardised care for the patients would be provided. We will be coming up with cancer registries not only in urban parts of the state but in rural areas as well for better data collection. In fact, surgical conferences on breast, gynaecological and tobacco-related cancers will be conducted by the group across Maharashtra after the registration. Recently, MOG organised a statewide conference where the main discussion was about standardisation of cancer care in Maharashtra so that basic cancer treatment and care reaches to all at minimal rates. Over 100 oncologists from all over Maharashtra attended the conference.
Has MOG taken up any research project or clinical trial so far?
In June, MOG will take up a project on breast cancer prevention and almost all oncologists have shown interest to participate in it. Several modalities will be used for the project and once it kicks off, it will be announced publicly so that volunteers can be selected.
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