Patna, October 4: (ABN) Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ataul Hasanain stated that public awareness is the most powerful weapon in fighting any disease. During the pandemic, awareness played a crucial role in preventing the spread of the disease. He noted that timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent patients from facing critical conditions. The Governor made these remarks while addressing a joint awareness program on cancer and tuberculosis organized by the Mahavir Cancer Institute and Rotary Club Patna Millennium. The Governor also inaugurated the program. Present on the occasion were Sian Kanwal, Secretary of the Mahavir Asthan Nias Samiti; Dr. LB Singh, Superintendent of the hospital; Anna Narang of Rotary; Rajesh Kumar; and others.

The Governor emphasized that while treating patients, one must set aside caste, religion, or any form of discrimination and serve them with the spirit of treating them solely as Indians. Praising the services of the Mahavir Cancer Institute, he stated that the institution provides better medical facilities at low cost to poor and cancer patients, and arrangements have also been made for the free treatment of children affected by cancer.

He added that in the absence of awareness and timely treatment, the lives of many patients are lost, or their conditions become extremely critical. Special awareness regarding breast cancer is particularly needed among women. Timely screening and diagnosis of the disease improve treatment prospects; therefore, people should remain vigilant about their health and undergo necessary medical check-ups regularly.

Sian Kanwal, Secretary of the Mahavir Asthan Nias Samiti, stated that when a large number of cancer patients from Bihar began traveling outside the state for treatment, their father, Acharya Kishore Kanwal, established the Mahavir Cancer Hospital to facilitate patients within the state. He informed that a separate hospital with 100 beds is being constructed for children affected by cancer. An additional 100 beds are being added to the current cancer hospital, and a facility of 800 beds will soon be available there.

Sian Kanwal stated that, apart from the hospital, the Mahavir Mandir is continuously performing various welfare services. Free food is being provided to the needy through Ram Rasoi in Ayodhya, Sita Rasoi in Sitamarhi, Vishnu Rasoi in Gaya, and Mahavir Rasoi at the Mahavir Mandir. He mentioned that in Ayodhya, free food is arranged for approximately 10,000 to 12,000 people daily.

He further stated that construction work is ongoing on the world’s largest Vairat Ramayana Mandir on a 120-acre area in Ketholia, where a 33-foot-high Shivling has already been installed.

Dr. LB Singh, Superintendent of the Mahavir Cancer Institute, said, “Service to man is service to God.” He noted that while it is not an easy task to carry forward the legacy of the services of Acharya Kishore Kanwal, the Mahavir Cancer Institute has become a ray of hope for cancer patients in Bihar.

He stated that the hospital was established on December 12, 1998, and since then, millions of patients have been treated. According to him, cancer is a major challenge for the state. Globally, approximately 20 million people are affected by cancer every year, while approximately 2 million new patients emerge in the country annually, of which 9 to 10 lakh patients die.

Dr. Singh stated that in the future, there is a risk that approximately one in every nine individuals will be affected by cancer. He said that awareness can save the lives of 30 to 40 percent of cancer patients. He also emphasized that cancer patients can be affected by tuberculosis, and tuberculosis patients can be affected by cancer, making awareness regarding both diseases extremely necessary.

Dr. Manish Singh, Medical Director of the Mahavir Cancer Institute, stated that a serious disease like cancer can be completely controlled with timely diagnosis and treatment.