INDIA FIRST . RAIPUR . GULSHAN TIWARI
BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), a unit of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (VMRF) and one of Central India’s leading cancer care institutions, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase 2 expansion of its facility in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
The ceremony was held in the presence of O.P. Choudhary, Finance Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh. On the occasion, BMC also launched Total Body Irradiation (TBI) technology in its Radiation Oncology Department, marking the first introduction of this specialised radiation therapy technology in Chhattisgarh.
205-Bed Expansion to Increase Capacity to 375 Beds
Under Phase 2, BMC plans to develop a 205-bed cancer and multispecialty hospital. Together with the existing 170 beds, the expanded facility will have a total capacity of 375 beds.
The expanded centre will continue to provide comprehensive cancer care while also introducing specialised services in areas including Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Nephrology and Medical Gastroenterology.
The expansion is aimed at improving access to specialised healthcare in the region and enabling coordinated treatment for patients with complex medical conditions.
The expansion plan also includes a nursing hostel and a proposed 300-bed accommodation facility for patients and their attendants. The residential facility will enable patients and their families, particularly those travelling from distant areas, to stay close to the hospital throughout the treatment period.
O.P. Choudhary: Expansion Will Strengthen Healthcare in Central India
Speaking on the occasion, O.P. Choudhary, Finance Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh, said that quality healthcare is critical to the development of any state and that Chhattisgarh is continuously investing in strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
He said the Phase 2 expansion of BMC will contribute to expanding specialised medical services and advanced treatment facilities in Central India, while also helping develop the region’s capabilities in healthcare and medical education.
According to him, strengthening these facilities will help reduce the need for people to travel outside the state for treatment and training.
VMRF Chairperson Jyoti Agrawal Highlights Patient-Centric Healthcare
Jyoti Agrawal, Chairperson, VMRF, said the foundation was established eight years ago with the vision that no individual should be denied quality healthcare because of their location or financial circumstances.
She said the Phase 2 expansion represents another important milestone in BMC’s journey and brings with it a greater responsibility to ensure that new medical specialities and technological advancements reach patients who need them the most.
She also acknowledged the support of Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary and appreciated the doctors, nurses and staff whose commitment has contributed to the institution’s growth.
Advanced TBI Technology Introduced to Support Transplant Treatment
As part of its efforts to strengthen transplant-related care, BMC has introduced Extended Source-to-Skin Distance (SSD) Total Body Irradiation (TBI) using its TrueBeam Linear Accelerator.
TBI is a specialised form of radiation therapy that may be used as part of the preparation for eligible patients undergoing stem cell transplantation.
It can be incorporated into the treatment of certain blood cancers and non-malignant blood disorders, including sickle cell disease and thalassemia, when a stem cell transplant is recommended.
For patients with blood cancers, TBI can help target cancer cells throughout the body. It can also address areas such as the brain, where achieving adequate treatment through chemotherapy alone may be challenging in certain circumstances.
TBI to Strengthen Bone Marrow Transplant Capabilities
Dr. Bhavna Sirohi, Medical Director, VMRF, said comprehensive cancer care depends on coordinated efforts involving medical expertise, infrastructure and advanced technology, all working together through a patient-centric approach.
She highlighted the prevalence of sickle cell disease among families in Chhattisgarh and said that bone marrow transplantation can be a life-changing treatment for eligible patients.
According to Dr. Sirohi, the introduction of TBI will further strengthen the capabilities of BMC’s five-bed Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, which is described as the largest unit of its kind in the state.
Precision and Safety Central to TBI Treatment
Dr. Abhinav Ingle, Senior Radiation Oncologist, VMRF, said TBI requires precise treatment planning to ensure uniform radiation doses throughout the body while protecting critical organs.
At BMC, the treatment protocol includes a specialised treatment setup, portal-based verification and specially designed lung shields to help control radiation exposure to the lungs.
The centre also uses online, real-time in-vivo dosimetry to monitor the radiation dose delivered during treatment.
Each treatment plan is carefully prepared in coordination with the transplant team to ensure accurate and safe treatment.
About Vedanta Medical Research Foundation
Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (VMRF) is a non-profit organisation established by Vedanta Resources and Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO).
Its flagship initiative, BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), is a 170-bed tertiary cancer care centre located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The centre provides comprehensive cancer treatment and allied healthcare services, including Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Haematology, Bone Marrow Transplant and Palliative Care.
BMC has recorded more than 5 lakh outpatient visits and has treated more than 75,000 patients to date.
The institution has also received several certifications and accreditations, including LEED, NABH, FSSAI, NABL, Nursing Excellence and CAHO.
Keywords: BALCO Medical Centre, BMC Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh cancer care, Total Body Irradiation, TBI technology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Cancer Treatment, Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, Naya Raipur Healthcare, Chhattisgarh Healthcare
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