<p>Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SSCHRC), run by Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation in Shankarapuram, completes 10 years on August 15. It is marking the occasion with a three-day celebration.</p>.<p>On August 13, it will hold a national-level symposium on the topic of ‘Achieving High-Quality Cancer Treatment at Affordable Costs — Challenges to Charitable Cancer Institutions’.</p>.<p>Lack of funding, cutting-edge research, medicines and availability of land are some of the key challenges, Dr B S Srinath, managing trustee of the Foundation and head of the institution of SSCHRC, tells <em><span class="italic">Metrolife</span></em>.</p>.<p>Cost of treatment varies from a few thousands to many lakhs depending on the type of cancer, but cancer treatment is largely unaffordable and everyone wants to see it made more affordable, he adds.</p>.<p>On the same day, the former chief justice of India M N Venkatachaliah will release a coffee table book commemorating the institution’s journey as the chief guest. </p>.<p>Philanthropist couple Susmita and Subroto Bagchi will deliver the keynote lecture.</p>.<p>They have donated Rs 240 crore to the foundation to set up a cancer hospital in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, trustee B R Nagaraj Sastry says.</p>.<p>A meet-and-greet of over 1,000 donors is planned for August 14. On August 15, in-house doctors will dedicate a cultural performance to more than 300 cancer patients and their families.</p>
<p>Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SSCHRC), run by Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation in Shankarapuram, completes 10 years on August 15. It is marking the occasion with a three-day celebration.</p>.<p>On August 13, it will hold a national-level symposium on the topic of ‘Achieving High-Quality Cancer Treatment at Affordable Costs — Challenges to Charitable Cancer Institutions’.</p>.<p>Lack of funding, cutting-edge research, medicines and availability of land are some of the key challenges, Dr B S Srinath, managing trustee of the Foundation and head of the institution of SSCHRC, tells <em><span class="italic">Metrolife</span></em>.</p>.<p>Cost of treatment varies from a few thousands to many lakhs depending on the type of cancer, but cancer treatment is largely unaffordable and everyone wants to see it made more affordable, he adds.</p>.<p>On the same day, the former chief justice of India M N Venkatachaliah will release a coffee table book commemorating the institution’s journey as the chief guest. </p>.<p>Philanthropist couple Susmita and Subroto Bagchi will deliver the keynote lecture.</p>.<p>They have donated Rs 240 crore to the foundation to set up a cancer hospital in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, trustee B R Nagaraj Sastry says.</p>.<p>A meet-and-greet of over 1,000 donors is planned for August 14. On August 15, in-house doctors will dedicate a cultural performance to more than 300 cancer patients and their families.</p>