Shillong, May 8, 2025, Virthli (ONP): In a pioneering step towards blending technology with compassionate cancer care, the DAE-Civil Hospital Cancer Wing in Shillong has introduced a Virtual Reality (VR)-Assisted Guided Imagery Therapy and Study aimed at easing the emotional and physical burden of cancer treatment.
The initiative, officially launched on May 8, is spearheaded by the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya, in collaboration with Ojaska Labs LLP and SMRATA Trust. The project is designed to provide patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation with immersive therapeutic experiences that reduce anxiety, pain, and other treatment-related symptoms.
As part of the launch, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, Ojaska Labs, and SMRATA Trust, formalizing their commitment to advancing digital health solutions in oncology.
Using VR headsets equipped with multilingual guided imagery content in English, Khasi, and Hindi, patients will engage in therapeutic sessions that correspond with key stages of their treatment journey. The approach addresses common side effects such as fatigue, insomnia, nausea, and emotional distress through a structured sequence of virtual experiences.
The therapy is divided into four key phases:
Pre-treatment sessions help patients mentally prepare and ease anticipatory anxiety.
During radiation therapy, which often takes place five days a week, VR experiences are designed to provide immediate stress relief.
Chemotherapy sessions, typically weekly, are accompanied by calming visual and auditory elements to mitigate discomfort and fatigue.
End-of-cycle healing sessions focus on emotional closure and resilience, supporting the patient’s psychological recovery.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, highlighted the potential of this approach to transform patient care in Meghalaya and beyond. “This initiative brings a much-needed human touch to high-tech medicine, offering comfort during what is often the most challenging phase of a patient's life,” he said.
Dr. Sarat Addanki provided an overview of the study’s methodology, while Dr. Anisha Mawlong explained the project timeline. Spanning 10 to 12 months, the initiative will unfold in three phases: infrastructure setup and staff training, therapeutic intervention with ongoing data collection, and a final evaluation to measure outcomes and effectiveness.
This first-of-its-kind study in the region marks a bold step toward integrating digital therapeutics into mainstream cancer care. If successful, the model could pave the way for similar innovations in hospitals across India.
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