Dhenkanal, 27 Jan, 2026: Tata Steel Foundation, in collaboration with Jamshedpur Cancer Society (JCS) through its hospital, Meherbai Tata Memorial Hospital (MTMH), has launched a comprehensive Mobile Cancer Screening Initiative to improve access to early cancer detection and treatment for underserved rural communities in Dhenkanal district.
The Mobile Cancer Screening Unit (MCSU) was flagged off by Dr Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Dhenkanal, at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), Dhenkanal. This was followed by a live demonstration of screening procedures conducted by Dr Prachi Singh, Medical Officer, Medical Oncology Team, MTMH. The launch event was attended by Dr Ranjan Kumar Samal and Binayak Panigrahi, both Hospital Managers, representatives from Tata Steel Foundation, and members of the MTMH Mobile Cancer Screening team.
Scheduled to run from January 2026 to March 2028, the initiative aims to bridge critical gaps in cancer care by offering end-to-end services—from community awareness and screening to diagnosis and referral for treatment. The programme will focus on oral, breast, and cervical cancers, enabling early detection and timely medical intervention.
The Mobile Cancer Screening Unit will conduct monthly screening camps, complemented by awareness sessions to educate communities on cancer prevention, early warning signs, and the importance of regular screening. To ensure long-term sustainability, the initiative places strong emphasis on capacity building, with MTMH-trained master trainers equipping ASHA workers and frontline health staff to strengthen grassroots-level screening and referral mechanisms. Patients requiring further medical attention will be referred to MTMH and supported in navigating treatment pathways, including access to relevant government health schemes.
This initiative reinforces Tata Steel Foundation’s commitment to preventive healthcare, strengthening early cancer detection and improving health outcomes for rural communities across Dhenkanal and Angul districts.
