Rajkot to get 100-bed palliative cancer care facility

Rajkot: Cancer Care Foundation, Rajkot, a non-profit organization working for the welfare of cancer patients, will establish a Palliative Cancer Care Centre, marking a significant milestone in healthcare for the Saurashtra region.The stone-laying ceremony of the proposed "Pritiben Prabhudasbhai Parekh Palliative Cancer Care Centre" will be held on Feb 1 at Amreli village on Kalawad Road, on the outskirts of Rajkot.A palliative cancer care centre is a specialized medical facility where patients suffering from advanced and incurable stages of cancer are provided comprehensive care aimed at improving their quality of life. Such centres focus on pain and symptom management, along with emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual support, particularly during the later stages of the illness."At present, there is no dedicated palliative care hospital for cancer patients in the entire Saurashtra region, forcing patients and their families to seek support outside the area. The upcoming centre aims to bridge this critical gap by providing specialized care focused on pain relief, comfort, and emotional well-being for patients with life-limiting illnesses," said Ashwin Solanki, president of Cancer Care Foundation.The facility will begin with an initial capacity of 100 beds and is planned as a model centre for palliative healthcare. All services will be provided free of cost and will include pain management, psychological counselling, emotional and spiritual care, nutritional guidance, naturopathy, Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and holistic support tailored to patients' needs.Rupal Kotak, secretary of Cancer Care Foundation, said the organisation has consistently worked to support cancer patients and their families through awareness programmes, care initiatives, and community involvement. "This ambitious project stands as a symbol of empathy, collective responsibility, and hope for thousands of patients across Gujarat," she said