Surrounded by the scenic landscapes of Meghalaya, Shillong continues to emerge as a hub for conversations around health, wellness, and community awareness. Reinforcing the importance of informed healthcare choices and access to medical expertise, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, a unit of Manipal Hospitals Group, organised ‘Anveshana – Medical Education for Media’ in Shillong today. The initiative brought together leading specialists including Dr. Sourav Datta, Director – Manipal Oncology Services & Senior Consultant – Head & Neck Oncology; Dr. Arindam Mondal, HOD & Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology; Dr. Debdeep Samaddar, Associate Consultant – Medical Oncology; and Dr. Subhankar Chakrabarti, Consultant – Emergency at Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, who engaged with the media on key healthcare advancements, preventive health practices, and the importance of timely medical intervention.
The programme also marked the launch of the Media Privilege Card, an initiative offering journalists enhanced healthcare access and exclusive benefits across Manipal Hospitals’ facilities. A CPR Training Session was conducted for media delegates, equipping them with essential Basic Life Support skills to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies.
Meghalaya continues to witness a growing healthcare focus, particularly in cancer awareness and early intervention. According to cancer registry data, East Khasi Hills district has one of the highest cancer incidence rates in India, recording around 227–228 cases per 100,000 population, more than double the national average of 100 per lakh. High tobacco and areca nut consumption, along with late-stage detection, remain key contributors to the rising cancer burden, highlighting the importance of early screening, awareness, and timely access to advanced treatment. Alongside cancer care, cardiovascular diseases and sudden cardiac emergencies continue to be significant health concerns, reinforcing the need for preventive healthcare, lifestyle awareness, and CPR training within communities.
Speaking on the importance of early detection and advanced cancer care, Dr. Sourav Datta, said, “Cancer continues to be a major healthcare challenge, with delayed diagnosis often impacting treatment outcomes. Meghalaya has witnessed a significant burden of lifestyle-related cancers, particularly those associated with tobacco and areca nut consumption, making awareness, screening, and timely intervention crucial. With advancements in oncology, including precision diagnostics, targeted therapies, robotic-assisted surgeries, and multidisciplinary care, cancer treatment has evolved significantly. Kolkata’s proximity and connectivity provide patients from the Northeast access to advanced cancer care without the need to travel far. At Manipal Hospitals Kolkata, our integrated oncology services bring together specialists across surgical, medical, and radiation oncology to deliver personalised treatment plans. Through initiatives like Anveshana, we aim to spread awareness and encourage timely diagnosis and treatment.”
Speaking about the role of surgical interventions in cancer treatment, Dr. Arindam Mondal, added, “Surgery remains a key component in the treatment of several cancers, particularly when detected early. Advancements in surgical oncology, including minimally invasive and organ-preserving techniques, have improved patient outcomes through safer procedures, fewer complications, and faster recovery. Early diagnosis and timely medical consultation remain critical in cancer management. At Manipal Hospitals Kolkata, our multidisciplinary surgical oncology team is committed to providing advanced cancer care for patients from Meghalaya and the Northeast.”
Emphasising the role of medical oncology in comprehensive cancer management, Dr. Debdeep Samaddar,said, “Cancer treatment today requires a multidisciplinary approach combining chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, precision medicine, and supportive care to deliver personalised outcomes. Increasing awareness about screening and newer treatment options is essential, especially in regions where patients often seek care at advanced stages. Through initiatives like Anveshana, we aim to bridge the gap between medical expertise and community awareness.”
Highlighting the importance of CPR awareness and emergency preparedness, Dr. Subhankar Chakrabarti, Consultant – Emergency, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata, stated, “Cardiac emergencies can occur anytime, and the first few minutes after a cardiac arrest are critical. Immediate CPR can significantly improve survival chances before advanced medical care arrives, with studies showing it can double or triple the chances of survival in certain situations. However, awareness about bystander CPR remains limited, making community training and emergency preparedness essential. Through CPR and Basic Life Support training initiatives, we aim to empower individuals with life-saving skills and create a more prepared society.”
Rooted in the idea of “seeking and discovering,” Anveshana reflects Manipal Hospitals’ continued commitment towards responsible health communication, community engagement, and healthcare education. The initiative has been conducted across several cities and regions, including Tamluk, Contai, Bardhaman, Jamshedpur, Aizawl, Malda, Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh, Agartala, and Nagaland, and now extends its impact to Shillong.
Through such initiatives, Manipal Hospitals continues to strengthen healthcare awareness, promote preventive healthcare practices, encourage early diagnosis, and empower communities across Northeast India with knowledge on advanced treatment options and emergency preparedness.