The Oncology Department of Medica Superspecialty Hospital held a panel discussion at the Science City Auditorium in Kolkata marking the occasion of National Cancer Awareness Day. The Oncology Department of Medica announced the launch of home-based palliative cancer care services to cancer patients & became the first facility in Eastern India to offer such services.

The term "Palliative Care" refers to the specialised medical care that is delivered by a trained team of physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other medical staff members to provide relief from the symptoms and stress that are brought on by a serious illness like Cancer. Palliative care is typically provided to patients who are in the later stages of their illness and have a limited life expectancy as it affords patients much-needed relief.  

Dr Sudip Das, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Medica Superspeciality Hospital, said, "There is an urgent need to create more resources that facilitate compassionate care, such as the palliative care unit, whether or not the individual is receiving curative treatment. In the case of patients who are nearing the end of their lives, palliative care is a form of treatment that focuses on the patient rather than merely treating their disease."