SBI General Insurance Collaborates with IIT Madras to Pioneer Affordable Breast Cancer Treatment Device in India

Through this CSR initiative, SBI General Insurance will play a pivotal role in fostering a positive transformation within the healthcare industry. The technology developed at IIT Madras aims to provide an affordable and indigenous solution for advanced-stage breast cancer patients, prioritizing enhanced treatment outcomes and reduced maintenance costs. The primary objective of the Thermal Therapy Device is to provide hyperthermia as an adjuvant therapy, sensitizing radio and chemotherapy treatment.

According to an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study, Breast cancer accounts for 28.2% of all female cancers in India,  making it alarmingly prevalent among Indian women. Late-stage diagnoses, lack of effective adjuvant treatment and unaffordability pose significant challenges. Despite the potential of hyperthermia as a cost-effective adjuvant therapy, its utilization is hindered by technology cost constraints.

The technology developed over the years at IIT Madras has been translated into a treatment delivery device, thanks to the support of SBI General Insurance. The device was built to ensure patient comfort and address the unique challenges faced by the Indian patient population during hyperthermia treatment. 

The Thermal Therapy Device also aligns seamlessly with the broader goal of promoting innovation and indigenous solutions in the healthcare sector, particularly in advanced-stage breast cancer treatment.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Kishore Kumar Poludasu, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance said, "Every 4 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in India. At SBI General Insurance, we are committed to doing our best to help solve this problem. We are proud to collaborate with IIT Madras in driving healthcare innovation on such a crucial subject.  This partnership underscores our dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of breast cancer patients in India, addressing the challenges of late-stage diagnoses and affordability. Together with IIT Madras, we aim to contribute to the broader goal of promoting indigenous solutions and innovation in healthcare, aligning with our commitment to fostering positive change in the communities we serve."

Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni & Corporate Relations), IIT Madras said “With the support of SBI General Insurance, this breakthrough technology developed at IIT Madras has been transformed into an affordable ‘Make in India’ Thermal Therapy device, set to revolutionize advanced breast cancer treatment in the country. “ 

SBI General Insurance takes immense pride in contributing to this transformative initiative, which holds the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of breast cancer patients in India.