Chennai: The inaugural ceremony of the first International Proton Therapy Educational Programme, a two-day event, organised by the Particle Therapy Cooperative Group (PTCOG) and Apollo Proton Care Cancer Centre, got under way Friday.
The programme will see international oncology experts from across the world throwing light on various aspects of proton therapy for cancer treatment.
The inaugural ceremony focused on the soon-to-be-launched Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai, the first in southeast Asia.
Lesotho Prime Minister Motosoahae Thomas Thabane, Uganda permanent secretary of Ministry of Health, Diana Phoebe Atwine, PTCOG chairman, Dr Jay Flanz, and Atomic Eneregy Regulatory Board, India, chairman, S A Bharadwaj, were the chief guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Apollo Hospitals group chairman, Dr Pratap C Reddy, assured that the cost of the treatment at the proton centre will be moderate. “For the past five years, there were great doubts whether the proton centre can create a significant impact in the treatment of cancer and I am happy today that it is a tool that will fulfill almost 100 per cent of its promise. I am thankful to all those who worked hard to bring this out,” he added.
Thabane said through the proton cancer centre, patients of his country will also be the beneficiaries as they already have a partnership with Apollo.
“With our partnership with Apollo, patients from our country are already getting oncology and kidney transplant. We are looking forward to take our relationship with Apollo to greater heights. We are set to achieve the lofty goals in ensuring healthy lives across all ages by 2030,” he said.
Apollo Hospitals group managing director Suneetha Reddy, said, “Apollo has been rewriting narratives about cancer care and I believe that with the proton cancer centre, we have replaced fear with hope. It is not just about curing the cancer but quality of life after cure. Proton is a solution to this as it improves quality of life and does not cause secondary cancers, and survivorship is clearly taken into focus.”
Apollo Hospitals group vice-chairperson, Dr Preetha Reddy, said, “The 1st International Proton Therapy Educational Programme will help physicians and oncologists understand the potential of this new technology to treat cancer.”