Gem Hospital and Research Centre, based in Coimbatore, today launched its free cancer screening and treatment programme for the benefit of the poor.

Under its “Care for Life” project, initially three cancer surgeries will be performed each week, free of cost. The drugs and consumables will be donated by the Rotary Clubs and the Gem Medical Trust, Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman of the hospital, said during the launch.

Selection of patients for the free surgeries will be done by a committee comprising doctors of Gem Hospital, and members of the Rotary Clubs, he said.

A separate bank account has been opened in the name of ‘Care for Life,’ and philanthropists are invited to support the noble cause, either by general donations, or by donating to specific patients. The selected patients will be informed about their sponsors, who can visit the patients during surgery, Palanivelu said.

The Care for Life Trust was started with a deposit of Rs.50 lakhs.