Mumbai: Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation and News18 Network, with Tata Trusts as a knowledge partner, unveiled a collaborative initiative ‘Sanjeevani - United against cancer’ in an event in New Delhi. ‘Sanjeevani’ seeks to combat the pervasive fears associated with cancer while emphasising the significance of early detection as a key factor in successfully overcoming the disease.
At the inaugural event of ‘Sanjeevani’, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh L Mandaviya emphasised India's commitment to affordable cancer treatment. He stated, "Out of the 90 medicines for cancer, India offers 42 at the most affordable rates. Our approach is holistic and multi-pronged - focussing on expanding cancer hospitals, and tertiary care facilities, enhancing medical education and bolstering health infrastructure through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat. This initiative will lead to discussions and deliberations. Send a note on it to us, so we can track the suggestions coming from people. Public partnership is integral to India’s health model. Share your ideas with us, so we can fight the diseases in the nation.”
Federal Bank MD and CEO Shyam Srinivasan emphasised, "Our commitment to the Sanjeevani initiative goes beyond awareness. We are dedicated to providing on-ground support to caregivers who often bear the brunt of consequent economic and physical pressure. Many caregivers, unfortunately, lack access to proper facilities, and we are keen to take concrete steps to help change this. We have initiated an employee program where our employees actively engage with local communities to spread awareness and encourage testing. Additionally, we are keen to work on AI-based solutions to simplify detection, especially in remote parts of the country, as a part of this CSR initiative. We are dedicated to this long-term mission to raise awareness, reach grassroots communities, and leverage technology for early detection in our nationwide fight against cancer."
Tata Trusts CEO Siddharth Sharma added, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to combating cancer and making quality cancer care treatment available at affordable prices. The Trusts are dedicated to shaping a healthier future, where timely screening and early detection are paramount. Through continued collaboration and a shared vision, we aim to break down social and economic barriers, making progress in our fight against cancer."
Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. CEO - digital & president - Corporate Strategy Puneet Singhvi stated, “As a responsible news network, we are unwavering in our commitment to shine a spotlight on issues of significance. Our campaign, Sanjeevani, strengthens the fight against cancer by emphasising the critical importance of early detection and timely tests in saving lives. Through awareness, education, and collaboration with institutions like the 'Federal Bank Hormis Memorial' and 'Tata Trusts', we aim to take this message effectively across the length and breadth of the country and underscore the value of good health and the vital role of regular health check-ups.”
The event witnessed the participation of prominent personalities, including Padma Shri Dr Rajendra Badwe, director of Tata Memorial Centre, Amitabh Dube, MD of Novartis India, and esteemed oncologists such as Dr Shyam Agarwal from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr Vineet Talwar from Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Dr Sharmila Pimple from Centre for Cancer Epidemiology (CCE) at Tata Memorial Centre, Dr Harsh Mahajan of Mahajan Imaging & Labs, Dr Vinod Raina from Fortis Healthcare, and Dr Suversha Khanna from Dharamshila Cancer Foundation and Research Centre. In addition, the event featured inspirational figures like renowned actress Lisa Ray, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, and film director Anurag Basu, all cancer survivors themselves.
During a panel discussion themed, ‘Courage Beyond The Spotlight’, Lisa, Anurag, and Yuvraj reflected on their arduous journeys of fighting and overcoming cancer. Lisa Ray recounted her multiple myeloma diagnosis and her decision to use the red carpet to raise awareness about the disease. Anurag Basu spoke about his unexpected cancer journey at the height of his career. At the same time, Yuvraj Singh discussed his initial disbelief upon receiving his cancer diagnosis and how it reshaped his perspective of life.
