GEM Hospital Champions Pancreatic Cancer Awareness with Survivor Honours and QR-Based Support Service
Chennai: GEM Hospital, a leading centre for gastroenterology and laparoscopic care in India, marked Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month with a special event focused on early detection, patient empowerment, and survivor recognition. The initiative also saw the launch of a pioneering QR-based Patient Support Service, aimed at bridging the gap between early symptoms and expert medical guidance.
“Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and its incidence in India is steadily rising,” said Dr. C. Palanivelu, Founder & Chairman, GEM Hospitals. “Over 80% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to vague symptoms. Our goal is to change that narrative through awareness and accessible specialist support.”
The newly launched QR-based service enables individuals to connect directly with GEM’s expert team without hospital visits or appointments. “With just a scan, patients or family members can receive a call from a real doctor—not a chatbot—offering timely guidance,” explained Dr. P. Senthilnathan, Director, GEM Hospital Chennai.
The event’s emotional highlight was the felicitation of pancreatic cancer survivors, followed by a segment titled Stories of Strength, where patients and caregivers shared powerful accounts of resilience. “Survivor stories are vital in motivating newly diagnosed patients,” said Dr. S. Asokan, CEO, GEM Hospital Chennai. “They show that a diagnosis is not the end—it’s a fight many are winning today.”
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, Senior Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterologist, introduced PAN GAIN—the Pancreas Care GEM Advanced Intervention Network. “This initiative offers comprehensive care for pancreatic conditions including tumours, stones, cysts, and pancreatitis under one expert team,” he said.
To reinforce its commitment, GEM Hospital will be illuminated in purple throughout November, symbolizing solidarity with patients, survivors, and families.
