KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 8
BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Chitwan has introduced a new service for detecting different types of blood cancer.
Previously, most samples had to be sent to India and Kathmandu for testing. The hospital launched the 'flow cytometry' service after purchasing a machine worth Rs 15 million, said the hospital's Deputy Director, Dr. Umesh Nepal.
The hospital also sent a doctor and a technician to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital in India for training to operate the new service.
Executive Director Dr. Shivaji Poudel noted that while test results previously took more than 15 days, they are now available within five days. With the service launch, the test cost has also been reduced to Rs 12,000 from over Rs 30,000, as samples no longer need to be sent abroad.
Dr. Poudel shared that the availability of flow cytometry will benefit the many blood cancer patients treated at the hospital. He added, "It has become easier to detect the types of blood cancer."
Additionally, the hospital plans to soon resume its mammogram service, which has been inactive for an extended period.
