Biopsy unit failure delays cancer treatment in Bengaluru

Patients at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) in Bengaluru are facing challenges in getting post-operative biopsy results. The hospital's only histopathology machine is currently out of order, which is likely to impact cancer diagnosis and treatment. Histopathology is crucial for diagnosing cancer and determining its stage. Without this service, over 3,000 specimen samples are waiting to be processed, leaving many patients anxious about their post-surgery status. While small biopsies for new patients are still happening, those needing post-operative results are experiencing significant delays. The machine that has broken down has been in use since 2011 and required repairs since 2023. Although a new machine was requested last year, the tender process faced delays. The final steps are now hindered by a lack of signing authority after recent changes in hospital administration. Kidwai Memorial Institute has seen multiple administrative changes in the past year, complicating procurement processes for essential medicines and equipment. Patients have had to buy expensive cancer drugs from outside sources, even if they should be covered by health schemes. The Medical Education Minister is aware of the situation and plans to extend the current administrator's term. He stated that the order for the new equipment will be issued soon. The minister also aims to appoint a full-time director for the institute to help stabilize its operations. For now, the hospital is using private lab services to manage the backlog of specimen biopsies.