Doctors Must Take Cancer Care Beyond Hospitals: Dr. Vijayanand Reddy
Padma Shri awardee and senior oncologist Dr. P. Vijayanand Reddy has stressed that quality cancer care must go beyond hospitals and reach the most vulnerable sections of society.
Speaking on equitable healthcare, Dr. Reddy said cancer treatment is a basic right, not a privilege, and no child should be denied care due to poverty. Through the Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation, he has supported underprivileged patients with free or subsidised treatment, medicines, nutrition, and follow-up care.
Dr. Reddy believes doctors must actively engage in public health, policy advocacy, cancer prevention, and education reforms. Highlighting the importance of psychological and palliative care, he said dignity, comfort, and listening are central to healing.
His book I Am a Survivor reflects lessons from patients on resilience, humility, and hope, reinforcing his belief that medicine is as much about humanity as it is about science.