The History and Speciality of Team Onco Foundation
A unique journey of establishing a Cancer treatment team started almost ten years ago when an inspired young surgical oncologist understood the significance of building a strong oncology team that could provide world-class cancer care in and around Erode, comparable to major cities. At that time majority of patients were travelling to distant cities for quality cancer treatment. After witnessing the challenges the patients faced both during and after the treatment, he realised cancer care should be made easily available & accessible.
He decided to give up his high paying job in metro city to practise in his hometown. The chance to have a significant impact on the lives of cancer patients in and around the city of Erode later attracted a Medical oncologist to the mission.
The team of Oncologists who shared the same enthusiasm for revolutionizing cancer care toiled relentlessly to develop what was soon to be referred to as "The Onco Foundation." Their goal was to create an oncology facility that would be a source of high quality cancer treatment for the residents of Erode and the towns around it. To facilitate it even better, 2 Radiation oncologists joined the team.
The birth of the Onco Foundation marked a new era in cancer care in the region. With a strong foundation laid by the surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, the team started offering a comprehensive range of services and treatments to combat cancer on all fronts.
Initially, there were many challenges. It took time for people to become aware that such a team even existed. In reality, the narrative of how the team integrated with the city's health services and emerged as a distinctive entity is truly amazing. It began with freelance services for cancer surgeries in and around the city, with excellent quality and care, made doctors and the public more aware of such services that were available in their own city. Chemotherapy treatment, which was dreaded because it was tedious and required continued care following administration, began to be given as daycare with personalised care from the Medical Oncologist who was available in the city 24x7, making it easier for the families of patients who otherwise would have had to travel and stay in other cities for the treatment.
With the Onco Foundation's persistent efforts, referrals started improving from various doctors and previously treated patients. The trust and confidence in the team's expertise attracted a growing number of patients seeking their specialized care.
In 2019, a significant milestone was achieved with the establishment of a full-time hospital in the heart of the city. The central location made it easily accessible to patients from all corners of Erode and its surrounding regions. The establishment of the hospital further streamlined the process of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Patients no longer needed to travel to different locations for various aspects of their care, as services were now consolidated under one roof. This integration of care improved the patients’ confidence, minimizing the burden of multiple visits to different facilities and allowing for a seamless continuity of treatment.
The story of the Onco Foundation shows how important it is to be determined, work together, and put the patient first. They have faced challenges and opened up new opportunities on their way to providing comprehensive cancer care. With each step, they continue to shine as an example of optimism and never fail to deliver the best possible care for the cancer patients.