Apollo Proton Cancer Centre celebrates World Health Day by gifting saplings

Children from Vidya Mandir distribute saplings among cancer patients

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre celebrated World Health Day on Thursday with students from Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Mylapore.

The centre gifted saplings of basil, neem and curry leaf plants to patients who were discharged on the day.

Harshad Reddy, Director – Operations, Group Oncology and International, Apollo Cancer Centres, who presented the first saplings, said the key to building a better planet lay in a healthier future. “The theme of this year’s World Health Day is Our Planet, Our Health. And that is why we chose to celebrate this day by gifting our cancer warriors (patients) with indigenous saplings from the hands of our future generation. A simple move we make today is going to build a healthier planet for tomorrow,” he said.

Shoba Raman, principal, Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, said they pledged to encourage their students, the patients, the doctors and staff to lead a better life by creating a sustainable healthy environment around them.

Rakesh Jalali, Medical Director, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said that in the next 20 years in the developing countries, cancer and other non-communicable diseases would become number one killers.

Harish Trivedi, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said 4,500 saplings were gifted to patients across all 14 cancer centres of Apollo Hospitals. Students showcased their drawings on the theme of World Health Day and presented cultural programmes.