Initiative Targets Rural Communities in Kalinganagar, Meramandali and East Singhbhum Through 2028
Key Points:
- Tata Steel Foundation and Jamshedpur Cancer Society sign MoU for mobile cancer screening
- Monthly camps to screen oral, breast and cervical cancers across three locations
- Program runs from December 2025 to March 2028 with comprehensive healthcare support
JAMSHEDPUR – Tata Steel Foundation has parterned with Jamshedpur Cancer Society to launch mobile cancer screening initiative for underserved rural areas.
The Mobile Cancer Screening Unit was officially launched on December 15. Mrs D.B. Sailaja Ramam, Chairperson of Ladies Committee at Meherbai Tata Memorial Hospital, flagged off the unit. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between both organizations.
D.B. Sundara Ramam, Director of Tata Steel Foundation, attended the ceremony. Dr Sujata Mitra, Vice Chairman of MTMH, was present. Moreover, Dr Koshy Varghese, Director of MTMH, participated in the event.
The initiative will operate from December 2025 through March 2028. It provides end-to-end cancer care solutions. However, the focus remains on oral, breast and cervical cancers.
Monthly mobile screening camps will run at three locations. Each camp operates for 4.5 days weekly. In addition, camps deliver up to 90 mammograms per session.
The program includes 65 PAP smears per camp. It checks 135 oral cancer cases monthly. Meanwhile, cancer awareness sessions educate communities about risk factors.
Master trainers will receive education at MTMH first. They subsequently train ASHA workers across communities. Furthermore, frontline health staff strengthen grassroots-level screening mechanisms.
Community mobilization efforts coordinate with Block and District Health Offices. Positive screening results lead to referrals at MTMH. On the other hand, diagnosed patients access treatment through Government health schemes.
“There is greater need for specialized healthcare to reach last mile person,” said D.B. Sundara Ramam. The mCSU takes screening systems to wider masses. Besides, travelling large distances becomes unnecessary for rural communities.
Sourav Roy, CEO of Tata Steel Foundation, highlighted collaborative efforts. “This showcases how Jamshedpur can move to an empathetic model city,” he stated. Moreover, people come together for social causes.
He emphasized the need for public asset revival. Organic demand ensures public system sustainability. In addition, the initiative bridges critical gaps in cancer care.
The program serves populations across Odisha and Jharkhand. It enhances awareness about early diagnosis. Furthermore, health outcomes improve for vulnerable rural communities.
Ashok Kumar Jha, President of RCJW, attended the launch. Abhijit Mitra, Project Lead at Rotary, participated. However, Amitava Bakshi, Past President of Rotary, joined the ceremony.
Dr Vinita Singh, GM Medical Services, was present. Dr Ashok Sunder, Chief of Medical Indoor Services, attended. Meanwhile, Dr Mamta Rath Datta, Chief of Medical Support Services, participated.
Mohit Das, Chief of Corporate Services at TSM, joined. Debdoot Mohanty, Chief of Corporate Services at TSK, attended. In addition, Nishith Kumar Sinha, Secretary Societies at TSL, was present.
Anuj Mehandiratta, Treasurer of JCS, participated in the event. The initiative marks significant progress in rural cancer care. Besides, it demonstrates commitment to public health strengthening.
The screening camps target preventable cancer-related mortality. They provide confirmatory diagnostics for suspected cases. Furthermore, appropriate treatment linkages ensure comprehensive care delivery.
Capacity building strengthens local healthcare infrastructure. Community awareness sessions promote timely medical intervention. Moreover, grassroots engagement enhances screening program effectiveness across target regions.
