MUSCAT: Apollo Hospitals Oman, marked Omani Women’s Day coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month by recogniszing the unsung heroes, the doctors from government and private healthcare sectors in the Sultanate of Oman, who have dedicated their life towards fight against Breast cancer.
The Omani women employees were recognized for their contribution and celebrated to mark the day, October 17, that was declared as Omani Women’s Day in the year 2009.
“Breast cancer is one of the leading health challenges Omani women face today. The Ministry of Health, doctors at both government and private sector, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, Royal Hospital and one of nation’s leading NGO - Oman Cancer Association, have been crucial in treating breast cancer patients and spreading awareness on early detection. Carrying forward this initiative, Apollo Hospitals will be conducting a breast cancer awareness event open for public on October 29th in collaboration with OCA and free screening will be performed with mammogram,” said VT Saileshwaran, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Oman.
Representatives from Ministry of Health, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, from the private sector were felicitated.
“We have more than 30 hospitals in the private sector currently and they see thousands of patients every day and more than eight million visits every year. We see the quantity and quality of the hospitals and the medical staff. We need to do more on detection including illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension as well as breast and other cancers,” Dr Muhanna al Maslahi, Director General, Private Health Establishment, Ministry of Health.
“Globally female breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases 11.7% in 2020 as per Globocan. When you are 40 is when your country needs you the most,” pointed out Dr Adil al Ajmi, Head of Breast Programme SQCCCRC, explaining how cancer cases are being detected in the 40s.
Dr Taha al Lawati, Sr Consultant Onco- Plastic Breast Surgeon from Royal Hospital said that Breast cancer is the highest among all patients -Omanis and non-Omanis. According to him, collaboration is the most important thing between government and private sectors, as breast cancer should be fought by both of us for early diagnosis as it is the key to prevention and cure breast cancer; key to success is screening and early detection of breast cancer. With early detection we reach survival rate of 99%, while late diagnosis has hardly 4% survival rate.” “The Apollo team felt that the best way to celebrate Omani Women’s Day would be to recognize the efforts of the unsung heroes in appreciation of their achievements and dedication in fight against breast cancer,” explained Debraj Sanyal, COO – Group Business Head, Apollo Hospitals Oman.
The celebration also marked the move towards establishing Breast Cancer Clinic at Apollo Super Specialty Hospital. Throughout the year, Apollo Super Specialty Hospital is offering special tests to encourage screenings for early detection to guarantee and maintain quality life.
After receiving the felicitation, in her presentation Dr Rajyashree said, “Block cancer out, prevent cancer and protect yourself from cancer. Prevent by changing your life and make it healthy by including proper diet, regular physical exercise staying fit and not obese. These are all interrelated.” The Apollo Super Specialty Hospital based in Al Hail, is one of the newest private sector facility in Oman dedicated to tertiary healthcare. In addition to providing complete maternity care it is now expanding to breast cancer clinic. The hospital offers comprehensive management of all the modern diagnostic and treatment facilities.
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