‘Bengal can be centre for health tourism’

Bengal can be the place for health tourism in the near future, said the Chairperson of West Bengal Medical Service Corporation Chandrima Bhattacharya on Monday. She was addressing dignitaries at a conclave where Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Science and Research (GNIDSR) joined hands with IIEST-Shibpur and IIT-Kharagpur for the launch of advance interdisciplinary research in the field of oral cancer.

Bhattacharya, who also serves as Minister-of-State for Health and Family Welfare, said: “The medical system of the state is one of the best in the country. We can treat poor and underprivileged patients free of cost. The government-run hospitals as well as the private hospitals are giving their best services here. The state government is also supportive in nature. If private and government-run hospitals continue to do better, then Bengal would be a place for health tourism soon.”

Bhattacharya said that as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also handles the Health and Family Welfare portfolio, she has ensured free medical treatment in the state. She added that the government will support private institutes which are doing the best job. “JIS Group’s GNIDSR has signed memorandum of understanding with IIT-Kharagpur and IIEST-Shibpur for advance interdisciplinary research. Sardar Taranjit Singh, the managing director of JIS Group educational Initiatives, is the key person here. I am sure this endeavour would do the best,” Bhattacharya stated.

“GNIDSR, IIEST–Shibpur and IIT–Kharagpur started the research early. Today, these institutes have joined hands to work together for the better research on oral cancer. This is really a big opportunity for the researchers. The ViceChancellor of the Jadavpur University, who is present here, showed interest. Jadavpur University may also join us in future,” said Ajoy Kumar Roy, director, IIEST-Shibpur.

“There are various areas to be researched for new invention in the field of oral cancer study. Genomics, bio-census, tissue engineering, and clinical research and treatment modalities will be looked after. Clinical research and treatment modalities will be taken care of by GNIDSR. Bio-census, tissue engineering will be done in IIEST and genomics and some tissue engineering would be done in IIT,” said Ranjan Rashmi Paul, deputy director and in charge (Research and development), GNIDSR, which is a part of the JIS Group Educational Initiatives.

Meanwhile, Singh said he is also looking to help underprivileged. “Millions of people, especially from the underprivileged sections of our society, today suffer from oral and dental diseases – particularly from oral pre-cancer and cancer. But no breakthrough has yet been achieved towards management of these malignant diseases. GNIDSR, a research oriented institute and a hospital catering to oral healthcare, has taken the initiative to conduct multi-disciplinary research in the areas of oral cancer,” Singh said.