Purbanchal Cancer Hospital

Purbanchal Cancer Hospital is a tertiary-level cancer care center located in Birtamode, Jhapa District, Nepal. The hospital provides services in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research, and supportive care. It serves patients from eastern Nepal and from bordering regions of India and Bhutan.
PCH offers clinical services in surgical oncology, medical and clinical oncology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, and palliative care. The facility operates 24 hours a day and functions as a referral center for cancer patients within the region.

History

Purbanchal Cancer Hospital was established on 2 March 2021 in Birtamode, Jhapa. It was founded by Durga Prasai, Dr. Ram Babu Giri, and Indira Giri with the goal of expanding access to specialized oncology services in eastern Nepal.
Since its establishment, the hospital has expanded its infrastructure and clinical capacity, including the introduction of radiotherapy technologies, upgraded imaging services, and enhanced medical, surgical, and clinical oncology departments. The hospital also developed nuclear medicine services and strengthened pathology and laboratory capabilities.
In 2025, PCH began its academic involvement by launching a Super Specialty Program in Medical Oncology under the National Board of Medical Specialties of Nepal.

Services and departments

Purbanchal Cancer Hospital is a 100-bed cancer center offering multidisciplinary oncology services. Clinical departments include:

Medical and Clinical Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Surgical Oncology
Breast Oncology
Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology
Gastrointestinal Oncology
Uro-oncology
Gynae-oncology
Musculoskeletal Oncology
Neuro & Spine Oncology
Head and Neck Oncology
Hematology
Pediatric Hematology

Diagnostics and interventional services

Radiology & Imaging: X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, DEXA, Mammography
Interventional Oncology: Tissue biopsy, FNAC, CT-guided biopsy, USG-guided biopsy, PTBD
Nuclear Medicine: including PET-CT
Pathology & Laboratory Services: Biochemistry, Hematology, Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Frozen section, Microbiology, Cytopathology, PCR
Blood Transfusion & Transfusion Medicine

Supportive services

Patient care services

Outpatient Department
Inpatient Department
Emergency care
Daycare oncology services
Intensive care units
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Nutrition and Dietetics
Psychological counseling
Survivorship support
Inpatient food services

Facilities

PCH operates with therapeutic and diagnostic technologies for cancer treatment.

Radiation therapy

External Beam Radiation Therapy : TrueBeam Linear Accelerator with 3D-CRT, IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, SRS, RapidArc.
Brachytherapy: Intracavitary, intraluminal, and interstitial brachytherapy.

Daycare therapeutics

Additional facilities

Modular operating theaters
Diagnostic laboratory
Telemedicine and teleconsultation
Digital patient record system

Mission and outreach

PCH conducts community-based activities aimed at promoting cancer awareness, early detection, and patient support. Programs include:

Cancer awareness campaigns
Free screening and diagnostic camps
Early detection initiatives
Educational programs in schools and communities
Rehabilitation and survivorship support activities

These programs are intended to improve early diagnosis and support public health initiatives in the region.

Public health and government schemes

Purbanchal Cancer Hospital participates in several national and welfare health programs, including:

Nepal Government Health Insurance Program
Social Security Fund
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
Indigent Citizen Treatment Fund
Government subsidy for major diseases
Employment Welfare Fund

Infrastructure and support systems

The hospital operates with supporting infrastructure such as:

In-house medical oxygen plant
Waste management system
Licensed blood transfusion center
Laboratory and imaging services
Ambulance and emergency rescue services, including air evacuation

Research and training

PCH collaborates with national and international institutions on clinical research, diagnostic development, and professional training. The hospital encourages evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary learning.

Academics

In 2025, PCH initiated a Super Specialty Program in Medical Oncology under the NBMS of Nepal. Training covers:

The program aims to support the development of oncology specialists in Nepal.