SBI General Insurance collaborates with IIT Madras to develop affordable breast cancer treatment device

Mumbai, January 26, 2024: SBI General Insurance has joined forces with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) for a transformative initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The partnership aims to create a Thermal Therapy Device, offering a potentially groundbreaking approach to breast cancer treatment.

In this CSR endeavour, SBI General Insurance will play a key role in fostering positive changes within the healthcare sector. The technology developed at IIT Madras intends to provide an affordable and locally manufactured solution for advanced-stage breast cancer patients, emphasizing improved treatment outcomes and reduced maintenance costs. The Thermal Therapy Device is designed to deliver hyperthermia as an adjuvant therapy, enhancing the effectiveness of radio and chemotherapy treatments.

Breast cancer, responsible for 28.2% of all female cancers in India according to an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study, poses a significant health challenge. Late-stage diagnoses, lack of effective adjuvant treatments, and financial constraints are hurdles faced by patients. Despite the cost-effectiveness of hyperthermia as an adjuvant therapy, technology costs hinder its widespread use.

With the backing of SBI General Insurance, the technology developed at IIT Madras has materialized into a treatment delivery device. This device is crafted to ensure patient comfort and address unique challenges faced by the Indian patient population during hyperthermia treatment.

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

Mr. Kishore Kumar Poludasu, MD & CEO of SBI General Insurance, shared insights on the initiative, stating, "Every 4 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in India. We are committed to collaborating with IIT Madras on this crucial healthcare innovation. This partnership reflects our dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of breast cancer patients, addressing challenges like late-stage diagnoses and affordability. Together with IIT Madras, we aim to contribute to promoting indigenous solutions and innovation in healthcare."

Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni & Corporate Relations) at IIT Madras, added, "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, aiming to advance breast cancer treatment in the country."

SBI General Insurance views this collaboration as a significant contribution to healthcare innovation, with the potential to positively impact the lives of breast cancer patients in India.