India, January, 2026: For many families in smaller towns, access to timely and complete cancer care often means long travel, financial strain, and delayed treatment. Bridging this gap in eastern India is Dr Shujaat Syed, a Surgical Oncologist based in Durgapur, who has played a key role in strengthening oncology services at Gouri Devi Hospital & Research Institute, Rajbandh. A first-generation doctor from a humble background, Dr Syed’s journey reflects determination shaped by family sacrifice and academic excellence. His father, prioritised education despite limited means, enabling Dr Syed to pursue medicine with a clear purpose of serving communities with fewer medical resources.

He completed his MBBS from Bangalore Medical College, followed by MS in General Surgery from LTMMC and Sion Hospital, Mumbai, and went on to pursue super-specialisation in Surgical Oncology from BMCHRC, Jaipur. This rigorous training across some of India’s leading institutions equipped him to handle complex cancer cases with both technical precision and clinical judgment.

Building Oncology Services in Durgapur In 2023, Dr Shujaat Syed helped strengthen the Oncology Department at Gouri Devi Hospital & Research Institute, marking a major step forward for cancer care in the region. Since its inception, the department has provided diagnosis and treatment to thousands of patients, many of whom would otherwise have needed to travel to distant metro cities.

The department currently offers a full spectrum of diagnostic services, including mammography, X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, enabling early detection and accurate staging of cancer. On the treatment side, patients receive complex onco-surgeries and chemotherapy services under specialist supervision.

Recognising the growing demand for radiation treatment, the hospital is now in the process of installing radiotherapy machinery, which will significantly reduce the need for patients to seek care outside the district. In addition, plans are underway to establish a Nuclear Medicine Department with PET-CT scan facilities, further strengthening diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.

Focus on Survival and Quality of Life What distinguishes Dr Syed’s approach is his emphasis on not just improving survival, but also enhancing quality of life during and after treatment. Cancer therapy can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and his clinical philosophy integrates surgical precision with patient-centred care, counselling, and long-term follow-up.

For patients from lower and middle-income backgrounds, affordability and accessibility remain major concerns. By expanding comprehensive services locally, the oncology unit reduces travel costs, accommodation expenses, and treatment delays, all of which can significantly impact outcomes.

A Comprehensive Cancer Centre in the Making With diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine under one roof, Gouri Devi Hospital under the visionary management headed by Chairman Mr. R.N.Majumdar, Vice-Chairman Mr. Rahul Majumdar and Administrator Ms. Paulomi Majumdar is steadily moving toward becoming a comprehensive cancer centre for the region. This integrated model allows patients to receive continuous care without the fragmentation often seen when multiple facilities are involved.

For communities across Durgapur, Panagarh, Ukhra, Illambazar, Asansol, Bankura, and Birbhum, this development represents not just medical advancement, but restored confidence that quality cancer treatment is available closer to home.

Dr Shujaat Syed’s work stands as an example of how specialised healthcare, when rooted in local commitment, can transform outcomes for entire communities, bringing hope, dignity, and timely treatment where it is needed most.

Connect with Dr. Shujaat Syed, at https:hare.google/BEp5YnEORcbey8QTO (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR