Guwahati, Sep 01: In a proud moment for the medical community and Assam alike, renowned oncologist Ravi Kannan, the director of Assam’s Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC), has been named one of the four recipients of the prestigious 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often regarded as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
Dr. Kannan, already a recipient of India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, the Padma Shri, humbly accepted the award on behalf of his hospital and the dedicated team at CCHRC. “We all are working as a team, and everyone is contributing equally to make this project a success. Not only those who are working here but the people who are supporting from outside, they are also the winners,” said Dr. Kannan.
Also Read: China Responds to India’s Objection Over ‘Standard Map’ Incorporating Arunachal
Originally from Chennai, Dr. Kannan and his wife, Seeta, relocated to Silchar in 2007 to take charge of CCHRC. Before that, he had worked as a surgeon at Chennai’s Adyar Cancer Institute, earning the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to the health sector.
Dr. Kannan strongly believes that quality healthcare should be accessible in every community. To facilitate easier patient follow-ups, he helped establish clinics in Assam’s Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Dima Hasao. This initiative has significantly increased CCHRC’s follow-up ratio, which once stood below 50%. Dr. Kannan supervised the first microvascular surgery of a cancer patient in the region in 2012, marking a significant medical milestone for the Northeast.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, congratulated Dr. Kannan on Twitter, acknowledging his substantial role in transforming cancer care in Assam, particularly in rural areas.
Dr. Kannan emphasized that both state and central governments have provided essential support for health schemes like Atal Amrit Abhyan, enabling improved treatment access for the underprivileged. “We are a society-run center, but whenever we ask for any support, the government never says no,” he remarked.
Dr. Kannan remains passionate about spreading awareness that cancer is a curable disease, just like any other. He is dedicated to ensuring that no one dies without dignity due to cancer. He also dispels myths about the causes of cancer, noting that it’s largely related to lifestyles.
“There is nothing wrong with air or water, which is a popular myth. People in the Northeast consume tobacco, betel nuts, and alcohol a lot. There is a lack of exercise and proper food. People are not even aware of the severity of cancer. Once it is detected, they become helpless, and some people hide it. We have to fight this mindset and have been doing it for over a decade,” Dr. Kannan explained.
Dr. Kannan’s mother, Indumati, expressed her pride in her son’s accomplishments. She always envisioned him becoming a doctor so he could serve the common people. She described him as a humble and dedicated child who remains committed to his work. The family, originally from South India, leads a simple life in one of the most beautiful regions in the country, Assam.
