Dr. Rakesh Vyas

Biography

  It is almost one year, since I took over the charge of Director, Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute. I have served this institute since 1985 in various capacities, but after holding the highest position of administration, I got opportunity to see the management and patient care aspect of this largest cancer care centre, very closely. The biggest strength of GCRI is its patient flow. Though the largest number of patients attending GCRI is from Gujarat, 18% are from neighboring states of Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra and even Bihar. Almost 21% patients are from city of Ahmedabad. It is not only number, which is increasing by 3 to 5 % every year, it reflects their faith in the healthcare system of GCRI, which brings them to us for treatment. MA Yojana, Low Income Group scheme and other Govt-Schemes have boost up our scope of serving the people from lower socio-economic strata, which is the mission of GCRI, “To serve one & all”. About 17% of patients we treat belong to MA yojana and 23% patients are getting benefit of other schemes of Central and State Government. This gives us ample opportunity to serve underprivileged, which should not be deprived of their right to have equal opportunity to healthcare. They are receiving treatment for their Cancer at par with any other corporate Cancer Center, having technically advanced cancer treatment facility. Same is true for children suffering from various childhood cancers. They get benefit of Government’s “School Health Program”. Out of total 2011 childhood cancers like leukemia, lymphomas, cancers of bone, eye and intestine treated, in 2013 at our institute, 651 children were covered under School Health Program. GCRI is the only stand alone Cancer Care unit, a state institute having high end equipment for diagnosis, treatment and research in cancer. The services of GCRI are extended in North Gujarat, where GCRI Siddhapur Cancer Care Centre has been operational since Oct 2013. This centre has started radiation therapy treatment for patients of Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha and Banaskantha district and also for patients from border area of Gujarat and Rajasthan. No Cancer Care is complete without reaching out to community. GCRI has done tremendous work, not only in early detection, awareness and prevention but also reaching out to patients at home for palliative care in advanced stage of disease. Dedicated staff and technology support are strength of this organization. I am convinced that our institute has ample scope and opportunity in Cancer Control, Cancer Care and Cancer Research. In coming years it will be reaching out to more and more patients by supporting many upcoming Cancer Centers in Gujarat.

Research Interest

 Oncology