Prioritizing women’s health: Medica organizes free cancer screenings for Women’s Day….

Staff Reporter ; Kolkata, 8th March’25: Women have been the pillars of families, workplaces, and society for ages, but their health has always been secondary to the responsibilities of life. This International Women’s Day, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (A part of Manipal Hospitals network) made a bold move in rewriting that script by organizing a free cancer screening camp, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare and encourage women to prioritize regular check-ups. With rising cases of cervical, breast, and oral cancers among women, early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness and improve survival rates. However, due to lack of awareness, access, and resources, many women often miss out on timely screenings. Through this initiative, Medica seeks to bridge that gap and extend essential healthcare services to those who need them most.
Till 19th March, 20 women will be screened every day through a pre-distributed coupon system. The screening will cover cervical, breast, and oral cancer detection, led by specialists from the respective departments. Notably, health cards were also distributed to participants, offering access to select health packages that support continued care.
Chief Guest Ananya Banerjee, Councillor of Ward No. 109, was present during the camp to show her support and stated, “I truly appreciate Medica (A part of Manipal Hospitals network) for taking this initiative. Cancer screenings can be expensive, and many women hesitate due to cost or fear. But with cases on the rise, early detection is more important than ever. By offering free tests to 109 women from this ward on International Women’s Day, we hope to break taboos and encourage more women to prioritize their health.”
Dr. Suman Kumari, Consultant Preventative Gynae-Oncology, Cancer Screening Incharge, said “Cervical cancer is among the most preventable cancers if identified early, but it continues to be a major health concern for women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every minute a new case of cervical cancer is diagnosed in the world. In India, a woman dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes. Through this camp, we want to help women understand the importance of regular check-ups and empower them to take proactive steps towards prioritizing their well-being.”
Dr. Sourav Datta, Director, Medica Oncology & Senior Consultant, Head and Neck Oncosurgery, said, “Prevention is always better than cure. Regular screening can help catch asymptomatic cases at an early stage. Community-level screening programs like this are not just beneficial—they are essential. By bringing free cancer screening to the doorstep of local residents, we hope to raise awareness about preventive measures and available treatment options to lower cancer-related mortality and enhance their overall quality of life.
With this initiative, Medica Superspecialty Hospital reinforces its commitment to building a healthier community by providing women with the knowledge, resources, and support needed for early detection and prevention. This Women’s Day, Medica invites women to take charge of their health and embrace the power of timely care.