- Dr. R. Ravi Kannan, a surgical oncologist and the Director of the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) in Assam, has been selected one of the 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees.
- His trailblazing initiatives have transformed cancer treatment in Assam by emphasising people-centered and pro-poor healthcare solutions.
Dr. Kannan’s Insightful Work
- Under Dr. Kannan’s leadership, CCHRC expanded from a single department to 28 departments, including oncology, pathology, radiology, microbiology, epidemiology, and palliative care.
- To address patients’ issues in continuing treatment owing to poverty and distance, the hospital implemented pro-poor programmes such as free treatment, accommodation, food, ad hoc employment for carers, and a homecare programme.
- The hospital team went above and beyond by training family members in pain management and palliative care and delivering free drugs.
- As a result, cancer treatment compliance increased dramatically, from 28% to 70%.
Regarding the Ramon Magsaysay Award
- The Ramon Magsaysay Award, created in 1958, is a notable honour that is sometimes referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
- This distinguished award recognises Asian individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to society in a variety of fields.
Who was Ramon Magsaysay?
- Ramon Magsaysay was the Philippines’ president from 1953 until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1957.
- During World War II, when Japanese forces seized the Philippines, which was then a US province, he rose to fame.
- He was elected president of the Nationalist organisation, the country’s oldest political organisation, in December 1953.
- In 1946, the Philippines was plagued by post-war instability, accompanied by an increasing divide between rich and poor, aggravated by the rise of capitalism.
- Leaders were targeted by the administration, which was linked with the US, amid accusations of communist sympathies and calls for peasant rights.
- Magsaysay’s administrative and military policies were critical in addressing the anticipated communist threat.
Indian Honorees: Excellence Leaves a Legacy
The Ramon Magsaysay Award has recognised notable Indians:
- Vinoba Bhave (1958)
- Mother Teresa (1962)
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (1966)
- Satyajit Ray (1967)
- Mahasweta Devi (1997)
- Arvind Kejriwal (2006)
- Anshu Gupta of Goonj (2015)
- Bezwada Wilson, human rights activist (2016)
- Ravish Kumar, journalist (2019)
The Importance of the Award
- The Ramon Magsaysay Award honours remarkable efforts that have a positive impact on society and represents a genuine dedication to selflessness and service.
- It serves as a reminder that by unselfish efforts, individuals and organisations may create dramatic change.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/oncologist-ravi-kannan-padma-shri-awardee-wins-ramon-magsaysay-award-for-transforming-cancer-care-in-assam-101693469215566.html