A Second Chance at Life: Free Cancer Surgery Saves Gujarat Woman at Kaka Ba Hospital
5rd June 2025, Surat: In a remarkable instance of delivering life-saving healthcare without financial burden, KakaBa Hospital, the charitable hospital run by Cadila Pharmaceuticals in Bharuch’s Hansot taluka, performed a complex cancer surgery free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
The beneficiary, 52-year-old Sarala Varasade from Mandvi in Surat district, had been grappling with severe abdominal pain since undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy for a perforated appendix and colitis in January 2025. Despite multiple consultations at various institutions, her symptoms persisted without a conclusive diagnosis.
In April, advanced imaging confirmed an inflammatory mass at the ileocecal junction as the root cause of the pain. She was subsequently admitted to Kaka Ba Hospital, where gastrointestinal surgeon Dr. Jignesh Patel led her treatment. On 21 May, Dr. Patel conducted a right hemicolectomy to remove the affected section of the colon. Varasade was discharged in stable condition on 26 May.
A post-operative histopathology examination revealed the presence of adenocarcinoma of the colon, a form of colorectal cancer. The patient has now been referred for chemotherapy as part of her post-surgical treatment and recovery plan.
The entire surgical procedure, hospital stay, and treatment were covered under PMJAY, ensuring Varasade received high-quality care without financial hardship. The case highlights the hospital’s commitment to equitable healthcare, supported by Cadila Pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Rajiv I. Modi, Chairman and Managing Director of Cadila Pharmaceuticals, said, “Saralaben’s recovery is a moment of pride for all of us and reaffirms our belief that healthcare is a fundamental right. Our mission through Kaka Ba Hospital is to deliver quality medical support to the most vulnerable sections of society, and instances like these fill our hearts with joy.”
Expressing her gratitude, Varasade said, “I had lost hope. Every visit to a hospital felt like the end of the road. But at Kaka Ba Hospital, I found care, kindness, and a second chance at life.”
Her story is not an isolated one. Kaka Ba Hospital has emerged as a beacon of hope for countless patients across Gujarat and neighbouring states. It offers quality medical care to underserved populations. Backed by Cadila Pharmaceuticals, the hospital offers free and subsidised surgeries, treatments, and diagnostic interventions across specialities under both charitable initiatives and government-supported schemes.
About Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is one of India's leading integrated privately held pharmaceutical firms, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The firm develops and produces pharmaceutical products in India and sells and distributes them in over 100 countries. The organization places a high emphasis and priority on research, whether it is in biotechnology, APIs, formulations, plant tissue culture, or phytochemistry to innovate in various therapeutic areas including gastrointestinal, cardiology, pulmonary, oncology, gynaecology, cardiovascular, diabetology, and osteology.
Its undaunted commitment to create affordable miracles in therapeutic areas with significant unmet medical needs to serve society and the community at large has led to several world-first breakthroughs.
Issued By:
Jatin Aggarwal
President – Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited
Email: Jatin.aggarwal@cadilapharma.com