Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) is the largest comprehensive cancer centre for research, treatment and education in this part of the world. It acts as a catalyst in the national cancer effort. It caters to the need of nearly 15000 cancer patients annually from all over the country. 70% of the economically backward patients, hailing mainly from the rural areas are treated free of cost and accommodation for needy outstation patients is provided at Dr. Ernest Borges Memorial Home at Bandra. The Centre conceived, planned and implemented a Rural Outreach Programme at Barsi, Solapur District for early diagnosis and treatment of patients in their own environment, as majority of the patients come from rural areas in the late stages of cancer.
The TMC was formed by the merger of Tata Memorial Hospital and Indian Cancer Research Centre, in 1966. The Tata Memorial Hospital was commissioned 50 years ago by the House of Tatas and was dedicated by them to the nation in 1957. Today it is a grant-in-aid institution of Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India to extend the peaceful uses of atomic energy for medical applications and treatment. The country's first successful allogenic Bone-Marrow Transplantation was done on March 20, 1983 in a female child (9 years) with an Acute Myeloid Leukemia in remission. Completely cured, today, she is a healthy 17 year old, living a happy, normal life.
It is a post-graduate teaching centre affiliated to the University of Bombay and the National Board of Examination, New Delhi.
Its triple objectives are service (patient care), cancer education at all levels and fundamental research in cancer.
The Centre is now celebrating its Golden Jubilee, (1941-1991). The Tata Memorial Centre is developing new projects and new departments to educate the public about cancer prevention and early diagnosis so that many more lives could be saved. A time to rededicate its commitment to the welfare of the people, to the nation.
Department of Posts feels proud in issuing a special stamp on this august institute dedicated to a noble cause.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India