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Tag: #Oncology

MNJ performs 250 free robotic-assisted cancer ops

MNJ Institute of Oncology, a government-run tertiary cancer centre with more than five decades of service, has conducted over 250 robotic-assisted cancer surgeries during the past 30 months, free of cost for patients from economically weaker and middle-income backgrounds.

A significant proportion of these procedures have been performed for gynaecological cancers, which account for a substantial share of the institute’s surgical workload.

Over 150 robotic-assisted gynaecological cancer surgeries have been carried out in the last two years, primarily for cancers of the cervix, uterus, and ovary — conditions that often require surgery in anatomically narrow pelvic spaces where precision is critical.

According to India’s National Cancer Registry Programme, cervical cancer continues to be among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Indian women, contributing to a considerable share of cancer-related morbidity and mortality.

While cervical cancer remains a major focus, uterine cancer is another condition where robotic-assisted surgery gives surgeons a clear advantage in delivering good outcomes.

Commenting on the institution’s approach, MNJ Cancer Hospital Surgical Oncology HOD Dr. Ramesh Maturi said,
“Our experience with the da Vinci surgical system has supported our ability to deliver complex gynaecological cancer surgeries within the public healthcare system. In gynaecological cancers, where surgery is often performed in anatomically narrow pelvic spaces, the robotic platform provides greater control and precision, including the ability to perform nerve-sparing procedures that can help reduce post-surgical sexual and urological complications.”

At MNJ Institute, robotic-assisted surgery has been adopted selectively for complex pelvic procedures, including radical hysterectomies and staging surgeries, especially in cases where standard laparoscopic approaches may be technically challenging.

MNJ Cancer Hospital Director Dr. Joseph Benjamen said,
“As a public institution providing specialised cancer care, the responsibility extends beyond introducing advanced technology to ensuring it is used in a manner that strengthens access, consistency, and accountability in patient care.

Seven from Telangana, Four from Andhra Pradesh Receive Padma Shri Honours

Hyderabad:
In recognition of their outstanding contributions across diverse fields such as science, medicine, arts, research, engineering, and social service, seven eminent personalities from Telangana have been selected for the Padma Shri Awards this year.

Among the awardees is Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, a distinguished scientist and former Project Director at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He devoted over three decades to the development of the Akash missile system, significantly strengthening India’s defence capabilities.

Another prominent scientist, Krishnamurty Balasubramanian, has been honoured for his contributions to science and engineering, particularly in advanced materials and engineering components. He previously led the Nonferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) in Hyderabad.

In the field of medicine, renowned oncologist Dr Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy, Director and Senior Oncologist at Apollo Cancer Centre, Jubilee Hills, has been named for the prestigious honour.
Also receiving the Padma Shri is Dr GV Rao, Director and Chief of Surgical Gastroenterology, GI Oncology, and Minimally Invasive Surgery at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Dr Kumarasamy Thangaraj, a senior scientist at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), has been recognised for his contributions to scientific research.
Rama Reddy Mamidi, known for modernising animal husbandry practices in Telangana, has also been selected.

In the field of arts, renowned Kuchipudi dancer Deepika Reddy, a prominent figure in Indian classical dance, has been conferred with the Padma Shri.

Andhra Pradesh Awardees

Apart from Telangana, four individuals from Andhra Pradesh have also been honoured with the Padma Shri awards:

  • Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad – Art
  • Garimella Balakrishna Prasad – Art
  • Maganti Murali Mohan – Art
  • Vempaty Kutumba Sastry – Literature and Education

The Padma Shri awards are among India’s highest civilian honours, celebrating excellence and distinguished service across various domains.