Patna, Nov. 11: Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dutch School of Gynaecologists, the Netherlands, for imparting training and research in the field of gynaecological cancer.

Dr APM Heinz, chairman, Dutch School of Gynaecologists, and Dr Jitendra Kumar Singh, an official of Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, signed the MoU in the presence of Kishore Kunal, the secretary of Mahavir Temple Trust Committee and president of Bihar State Religious Trust Board.

“It is a big achievement for us, as the famous institution has chosen Mahavir Cancer Sansthan as its partner to carry out training and research in the field of gynaecological cancer. The Dutch institute will impart training to our doctors and other employees and this would certainly help us in detecting the disease early,” Singh said after signing the agreement.

Five European universities work under Dutch School of Gynaecologists to improve gynaecological surgery across the globe.

Singh added: “We will work both in the field of training and research. Our officials will also go to the Netherlands to get trained. The Dutch institute will bear the cost.”

The doctor also said: “Gynaecological cancer is the most common disease among women. A decade ago the ratio of cancer among men and women was equal. Over the past decade the number of women getting affected by cancer has increased manifold.”

Out of 100 cancer patients, 60 per cent are women and 40 per cent men, he said.

Singh also said: “Out of this 60 per cent, 41 per cent women suffer from gynaecological cancer.”

Heinz said various studies and research has been going on for past several years on gynaecological oncology in the Netherlands but that is not the case in India. Hence, there is an urgent need to carry out research work in gynaecological oncology.

Heinz, who visited Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and witnessed a huge crowd of patients, said: “We need to work in the field together, as this would help both the patients and doctors.”

Kishore Kunal, secretary of Mahavir Temple Trust Committee, which runs Mahivir Cancer Sansthan, said: “It is my wish that Mahavir Cancer Sansthan should become one of the best institutions in the country in the field of oncology. This MoU will enable us in achieving that goal.”