Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Tiruchi will be extending its free mammogram drive for the public prompted by the successful outreach to screen staff for breast cancer as part of last month’s Pink October awareness programme activities.A total of 164 women were screened in the October 1-31 programme and targeted at women aged 40 and above, across various staff cadres — including doctors, staff nurses, ward workers, kitchen and laundry staff, and housekeeping teams — as well as patient attendants visiting MGMGH.According to official data, 51% of those screened were MGMGH patients and caregivers while 38% were the hospital’s women employees. Each screening has a duration of 30 to 40 minutes.“To ensure quality care, screenings are capped at 15 patients a day, and a scheduling list is actively being maintained as more patients, caregivers, and relatives are coming forward.
This mammography drive is an ongoing, continuous initiative. Every woman aged 40 and above is encouraged to come directly to MGMGH for free breast cancer screening,” said Dean S.
Kumaravel.“Five cases were identified as categories 3 and 4 under the BI-RADS [Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System]. These patients have been referred for biopsy and further medical evaluation,” a senior hospital official said.
Published - November 02, 2026 05:48 pm IST