
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates advanced cancer treatment facilities in UP's Varanasi; robotic surgery, radiation machines & CT scanner installed under CSR
Narendra Modi
virtually inaugurated two state-of-the-art linear accelerators (radiation machines), a Mantra robotic surgery unit, and a CT scan machine on Saturday for patients at the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC) and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH).
The addition of these new machines is expected to significantly improve the speed, accuracy, and quality of treatment. The hospital received these medical devices recently under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Dr Satyajit Pradhan, Director of MPMMCC and HBCH, said the advanced medical devices, provided through CSR at a total cost of Rs 73.30 crore, will elevate the treatment capacity of both hospitals to new heights.
This move is expected to not only enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of cancer treatment but also act as a lifeline for underprivileged patients fighting for life with limited resources. The initiative aims to strengthen regional healthcare and set an inspiring example for cancer care in India.
"We are grateful to all the donors who stood with us in this battle against cancer; this would not have been possible without their support," he said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You
Dubai villas | search ads
Get Deals
Undo
Radiation therapy remains a crucial part of cancer treatment, with most patients requiring it at some stage.
Currently, the hospital has four radiation machines, which were insufficient to meet the demand, leading to treatment delays. To address this issue, two new linear accelerators have now been installed. The
Uttar Pradesh
government funded one machine with ₹31.63 crore, while Power Grid Corporation of India Limited contributed Rs 26.42 crore under CSR for the other.
The operation of these machines is expected to reduce waiting times and improve the quality of life for cancer patients, significantly enhancing the hospital's cancer management capabilities.
The Mahamana Cancer Centre has also become the first hospital in Purvanchal to offer robotic surgery for cancer treatment. With support from the ICICI Foundation, the unit was established with ₹10 crore. This technology enables complex surgeries to be carried out with greater precision, shorter operating time, and minimal risk.
The Mantra Robotic Unit, developed under the "Make in India" initiative, will be especially effective in treating cancers of the urinary system, head and neck, and abdomen. Patients are expected to recover more quickly and spend less time in hospital, easing pressure on the healthcare system.
Timely and accurate diagnosis is key to successful cancer treatment. To support this, a new 128-slice CT scan machine has also been installed, funded by Kotak Mahindra Bank under CSR with ₹5.25 crore.
This addition is set to speed up the diagnostic process and reduce the waiting list significantly. It will particularly benefit patients from economically weaker sections who cannot afford costly private diagnostic services.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Friendship Day wishes
,
messages
and
quotes
!
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Zodiac signs and the kind of support they need most
I witness a diverse group sharing and connecting in a warm, supportive environment. Each individual offers unique strengths, fostering understanding and empathy. Support looks different for everyone. While some people want encouraging words, others need practical help or emotional presence. Astrology helps reveal what kind of support each zodiac sign values most. Understanding this can improve how you show up for your partner, friend, or loved one. Aries Aries are natural go-getters and thrive when people believe in them. The support they need is motivational. Cheer them on, challenge them, and remind them of their strength when they feel stuck. Taurus Taurus values practical and emotional stability. They appreciate help with real-world responsibilities and gentle emotional reassurance. Being consistent and patient is key. Gemini Geminis need mental stimulation and open conversation. They feel supported when someone listens to their many ideas without judgment and engages in interesting, thoughtful dialogue. Cancer Cancers crave emotional security. They feel most supported when someone is nurturing, present, and able to offer a safe space for their feelings without rushing them to 'fix' anything. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Fat-Burning Patch Triggers Weight Loss "Unlike Any Other" Health Advice Today Undo Leo Leos want to feel seen and validated. They thrive with praise, recognition, and people who remind them they are loved and valued, especially during moments of self-doubt. Virgo Virgos need constructive support. Help them solve problems, offer thoughtful advice, and show them you're reliable. Calm reassurance also helps when they overthink. Libra Libras value emotional balance and harmony. Support them by being fair, listening actively, and helping them navigate decisions without pressure or conflict. Scorpio Scorpios require deep trust and loyalty. Show up with unwavering consistency, honesty, and emotional presence. They need someone who honors their vulnerability. Sagittarius Sagittarius thrives with freedom and encouragement. Support them by giving them space to explore and offering perspective when they feel directionless. Avoid being clingy or overly critical. Capricorn Capricorns value dependability and respect. Support them by acknowledging their hard work, helping them with tasks, and reminding them they don't have to do everything alone. Aquarius Aquarius needs understanding and intellectual engagement. Support them by respecting their uniqueness, giving them space, and offering thoughtful conversations—not emotional drama. Pisces Pisces need emotional and spiritual comfort. They feel supported by kind words, heartfelt gestures, and people who remind them it's okay to dream and feel deeply. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.


Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Now, WhatsApp chatbot to track visit to Punjab's Aam Aadmi Clinics
Integrating 'WhatsApp Chatbot' into the existing 881 Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics (AAMCs) in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced the ruling AAP government will soon open 200 more such primary health centres — taking the total to 1,081 — across the state. Calling the integration a 'major breakthrough' in Punjab's healthcare sector, Mann said: 'All the 881 Aam Aadmi clinics across the state have been connected to a WhatsApp Chatbot tool. These clinics cater to nearly 70,000 patients daily, and in today's digital age, WhatsApp Chatbot will be most beneficial for patients.' Asserting this initiative would bring 'revolutionary changes' in healthcare services, the CM said: 'Approximately 90% of Punjabis use smartphones, and now, they can be contacted directly through WhatsApp — patients will receive complete health-related information like diagnostic test reports and reminders for upcoming consultation, as well as access prescriptions. Regular WhatsApp updates will be provided on care for elderly people suffering from diabetes or blood pressure, pregnant women, and newborns… This will eliminate the need for patients to physically store and manage healthcare data. Patients will also be able to instantly share health reports with family members or consult another doctor on WhatsApp.' He said the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, will 'maintain a digital database of patients and their ailments, treatments'. On the upcoming 200 AAMCs, he said 'this will ensure every resident gets quality medical services.' Recalling that Punjab was the first state in India to implement the 'Mukhmantri Sehat Bima Yojana' — providing medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family — Mann said: 'The Punjab government is making significant efforts to develop the state in a medical hub.' The approval for the establishment of four new medical colleges in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, and Nawanshahr has already been given. Further, slamming previous governments, Mann said 'their manifestos had no mention of Punjab's healthcare sector, due to which the public were left to fend for themselves. The situation deteriorated to the point where rural patients suffering from serious illnesses did not even opt for treatment due to high cost — often pushing their families in debt… It is the duty of the government to provide free, quality healthcare services to the public, and we are fulfilling this responsibility, with full dedication.' During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, Mann said data indicated that Punjab recorded over 150,000 fatalities due to road accidents annually. 'The formation of the 'Sadak Surakhya Force' led to a 48% drop in such deaths, setting an example for other states. The Force is working very effectively, and several states as well as the Union Government have appreciated our initiative,' he said.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
How long should you meditate every day to experience real changes?
There's something oddly intimidating about meditation. People talk about it like it's a miracle cure better focus, lower stress, better sleep, calmer moods. But then they say things like 'You should do it for at least an hour a day' or 'You'll only see results after 90 days of consistent practice,' and suddenly it feels like another thing on your to-do list that you're just not doing right. So let's take a breath here literally. If you're wondering how long you actually need to meditate every day, this is your grounded, honest guide. First, what is meditation really? Meditation is not some mystical activity that requires incense, chanting, or sitting like a monk on a Himalayan peak. At its core, meditation is about attention. It's the simple practice of noticing where your mind is and gently bringing it back again and again to the present moment. This could be your breath, your body, a sound, or even a mantra. The point is not to clear your mind entirely. The point is to learn how to work with your mind, rather than getting dragged around by it. So, how long do you need to meditate? Here's the truth: even one minute counts. Of course, the benefits tend to grow with time and consistency. The magic number: 10 to 20 minutes Most experts agree that 10 to 20 minutes a day is a sweet spot for beginners and even intermediate practitioners. Why? Because it's long enough for your mind to settle but short enough that it doesn't feel like a chore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Mixed Pink Salt With This - Now She Can't Stop Losing Weight Your Health Undo In fact, in a study published in Behavioural Brain Research journal, participants who meditated for just 13 minutes a day over 8 weeks showed significant improvements in attention, memory, and emotional regulation. That's less time than a coffee break. Here's what 10–20 minutes a day can realistically give you: A sense of calm that lasts into the rest of your day Increased emotional awareness A break from the loop of overthinking A way to train your attention and reduce distractions What if you can't even manage that? Then do less. Truly. Meditation is not an all-or-nothing game. If you can only sit for 5 minutes, that's fine. Some days, it might be 2. Some days, maybe none. What matters is the return the fact that you come back to it, again and again. Here's a breakdown of what shorter meditations can offer: 1 minute: A quick reset in the middle of a chaotic day 3–5 minutes: A way to center yourself before a meeting, conversation, or decision 7 minutes: Enough to feel the body calm and the breath deepen 10 minutes: A full mental and emotional refresh You don't need to wait for perfect conditions. You don't need to be alone in silence. You just need to show up. What about longer sessions? Some experienced meditators sit for 30 minutes, 45 minutes, even an hour daily. These sessions often go deeper, revealing more subtle patterns of thought and emotion. For people with long-term anxiety or chronic overthinking, longer sits can feel like stepping out of the noise and into clear water. But again, this is not a requirement it's a choice. If you ever feel drawn to sit longer, go for it. But don't force yourself into it because someone said that's what 'real' meditators do. How to make meditation routine actually stick The biggest challenge isn't the duration. It's the habit. Most people drop meditation not because they don't like it but because they forget to do it. Life gets busy. You snooze the app reminder. You feel weird sitting still. You tell yourself you'll do it later… and then you don't. So here are some ways to gently make it a part of your life: Tie it to an existing habit: Meditate right after brushing your teeth or before your morning coffee. Keep it ridiculously simple: Sit, close your eyes, and breathe. No music, no timer, no expectations. Forgive the skipped days: Missing a day isn't failure. It's human. Just start again tomorrow. Use a timer or app if it helps but not if it stresses you out. Remember: Meditation isn't a productivity hack. It's a homecoming. You're not trying to 'win' at it. You're just trying to be a little more here, a little more now. So... how long should you meditate ? Here's the most honest answer anyone can give you: However long you can meditate today. Some days that might be 15 minutes. Some days it might be a quiet 60 seconds before a stressful call. And both are fine. The practice is not in the minutes it's in the showing up. Meditation is like brushing your mental teeth. Do it regularly, even if it's just for a little while. Don't wait until your mind is in crisis. Give it a few moments each day to pause, breathe, and reset. Over time, you might find that your 3-minute sessions stretch to 10. Or that you actually look forward to sitting still. Or that your thoughts don't own you the way they used to. That's the real measure of meditation not how long you sit, but how it shapes the rest of your life.