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The incidence of cancer has shown an alarming rise in Sri Lanka, with over 20,000 new patients recorded annually, according to National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) reports.
With the intent to offer world class cancer care in Sri Lanka, Asiri Surgical Hospital, a member of the country’s largest private sector hospital chain, in collaboration with the American Oncology Institute (AOI), a leading provider of oncology services based out of the USA, has launched Asiri AOI, a major new cancer-care initiative to transform the spectrum of cancer treatment and management available in the country.
Asiri AOI’s precision-driven cancer treatment regime is based on best-in-class, collaborative treatment protocols with University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC), one of the leading providers of Oncology treatment in the United States. Asiri AOI offers a unique approach towards cancer treatment built on a model of integrated care delivery that is empathetic and personalised.
Asiri also proudly announces the arrival of the first TruebeamStx Linear Accelerator in Sri Lanka, the world’s latest medical technology to deal with this silent killer, using the most precise and fast treatment for malignancies. The centre is manned by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists, supported by a highly trained and compassionate staff including nurses, medical physicists and support staff delivering treatment in a humane manner that is comprehensive, coordinated and precise.
Commenting on the world-class cancer care in Sri Lanka, Asiri Health CEO Dr. Manjula Karunaratne said, “Many of us have witnessed the devastating effects of cancer. Scaling up affordable access to cancer care requires innovative solutions and willing partners. Through our collaboration with AOI we strongly believe that combining Asiri’s healthcare excellence with the proficiency of AOI, we stand at the forefront of cancer care having introduced the world’s most powerful cancer treatment infrastructure and expertise to Sri Lanka.”
AOI is one of the few or possibly the only chain of cancer hospitals in South Asia where an International Tumour Board is conducted weekly, during which leading oncologists from UPMC join for case discussions along with the local clinical experts to plan treatment for specific cases. Asiri AOI will offer the services of this International Tumour Board to its patients in Sri Lanka.
The Centre’s Radiation Therapy department is run by highly trained physicists, who also have access to a centralised treatment planning unit based out of the United States, should the need occur.
Asiri AOI is also the only facility in Sri Lanka to provide PET imaging to diagnose malignancies and monitor response to treatment. Personalised palliative care ensures patients have relief from pain and mental anxiety.
Asiri American Oncology Institute Cancer Specialist Dr. Shama Goonatillake said that Asiri Hospitals have succeeded to offer in Sri Lanka, the treatments that are offered in well developed countries. When considering the costs, if the patient is to receive these treatments abroad, he or she will have to face a huge cost but Asiri offers these treatments for a very reasonable cost. The next goal they have is to bring patients from foreign countries to Sri Lanka to receive these treatments.
“We give radiotherapy treatments only to those who have tissue reports, CT Scan and other imaging reports and reports from surgeries that confirms that the patient is in need of radiotherapy treatment. Only after observing all reports, we proceed to prepare the treatments we offer. We inquire the patient about it and are obliged to have their favour before proceeding.”
Taking on a new face in the treatment of cancers, the effort that Asiri Hospitals has taken with the introduction of newest technology is a fact to be proud of, not only the family of Asiri but also us, the Sri Lankans.
