The Super Specialty Hospital of Bhagalpur used to aim at fulfilling a wide range of advanced healthcare needs, but, it has succumbed to a lack of achieving its objectives. Although a multi-specialty health care system is in situ, a fully operational, multifunctional, multi-specialized health care system has not yet evolved. At present, there is an intention to transform this essentially unused Bhagalpur cancer hospital, however, its current status states that there is confusion and concern around the surgical oncology unit, not just in the community, but also among oncologists.
While efforts are underway to develop a blueprint for building a cancer hospital, key factors such as human capital and specialized resources are essential. This includes a skilled workforce of doctors and nurses, along with advanced diagnostic systems and testing equipment that are crucial for effective treatment and diagnosis. This means actual resources to treat cancer patients are missing at the head. There are no oncologists and oncological surgeons. Even simple diagnostic procedures, such as taking a sample for blood tests, have to be sent to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital or private laboratories located in other cities. This not only increases the time it takes to receive a diagnosis. However, it also adds to the psychological and economic strain on patients.
Bhagalpur Cancer Hospital: Existing Setup

As per Dr. Hemshankar Sharma, the Superintendent of Mayaganj Hospital, an operational Palliative and Chemotherapy Daycare Centre exists with a capacity of ten. MBBS doctors are currently managing the centre, giving primary attention to pain management and chemotherapy. This is encouraging, but in order to provide comprehensive treatment alongside supportive care, cancer care requires a network of skilled oncologists, surgeons, and trained auxiliary personnel. Interdepartmental collaboration with pathology, radiology, and surgical departments is fundamental in ensuring effective coordinated care.
The District Magistrate, Dr. Naval Kishore Chaudhary, gives instructions to establish a ten-bedded cancer ward within the Super Specialty Hospital. Due to a lack of qualified cancer diagnostic tools, the surgical pathology services have yet to be established. Hospital administration has responded by requesting the appointment of oncologists, cancer surgeons, pathologists, laboratory technicians, nurses, and OT aides. The DM has committed to streamlining this process in order to guarantee immediate and full provision of all required personnel and materials.
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Initiatives Regarding New Facility

During a recent inspection of Super Specialty Hospital, both DM Dr. Naval Kishore Chaudhary and SSP Hriday Kant performed a comprehensive review of the entire facility. The check-up was around 6:20 PM and also included the newly proposed cancer ward, the physicians’ consultation chambers, as well as the counseling rooms.
Moreover, the SSP also looked at the hospital’s security arrangements ahead of the Chief Minister’s visit. Such a visit reflects the political need to expedite the operationalization of the hospital.
Other notable attendees during the inspection were Dr. Hemshankar Sharma, and Dr. Mahesh Kumar (Nodal Officer of Super Specialty Hospital) along with Sunil Kumar Gupta (Hospital Manager). As other visit illustrates, there is increasing attention towards operationalizing the facility. Now, however, actual presence and inspection of the facility must lead to tangible actions and outcomes.
Although some administrative measures have been taken and an auxiliary framework is in place, it still holds true that cancer patients in Bhagalpur do not receive treatment. In the absence of specialists and the appropriate paraphernalia, vital processes such as diagnosis and treatment are benchmarked to be ailing. This scenario is greatly challenging for patients who do not have the means to access private medical care or relocate to other cities. Many rural and semi-urban families were expecting this new Bhagalpur cancer hospital to solve their problems.
Nitish Kumar Regarding New Bhagalpur Cancer Hospital

While the Khelo India National Games are taking place in Bhagalpur, the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, is likely to come to the city to motivate the athletes.
Apart from attending the sports events, the CM is likely to participate in some other major events as well. One major event in his itinerary is the official inauguration of the Cancer Day Care Center. It is functioning at the Superspecialty Hospital, which is linked with Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JLNMCH). There is a possibility that CM Nitish Kumar will also review the site to ensure all the arrangements are ready.
Also, it is possible that the CM will also initiate construction for a new Bhagalpur cancer hospital on the vacant site next to the Superspecialty Hospital. For this, District Magistrate Dr. Naval Kishore Chaudhary conducted an inspection of the Superspecialty Hospital building on Tuesday. He assures that the work is on track for the construction of the cancer hospital.
The DM’s visits include checking the outpatient department (OPD) for the outpatient services to assess the quality of services. He also had discussions with JLNMCH Superintendent Dr. Hemshankar Sharma and Nodal Officer Dr. Mahesh Kumar. The discussion was regarding the health services and preparations for the CM’s visit.
Dr. Sharma remarked that JLNMCH has about 75 acres of vacant land adjacent to the Super Specialty Hospital. A proposal has been sent to build a dedicated cancer hospital on that land. The district administration is optimistic that this proposal will progress soon, and construction activities may commence in the near future. Let’s see what happens regarding the new Bhagalpur Cancer Hospital!