G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital (GKNMH) launched a dedicated HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) Specialty Clinic, an advanced technology for cancer care, on 12th November 2025.
The clinic was inaugurated by Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, along with Dr. Sivanesan, Chairman of Oncology; Dr. Praveen Ravishankaran and Dr. Arulraj, Consultants – Surgical Oncology, Robotic & HIPEC Surgery.
This launch marks a significant milestone in advanced cancer care in Coimbatore and Western Tamil Nadu.
With 25 HIPEC procedures successfully performed to date, the hospital stands as one of the leading centres for HIPEC treatment in the region, offering new hope to patients with complex abdominal cancers.
Dr. Ragupathy Veluswamy, in his address, said that it is a proud and defining moment in the journey of comprehensive cancer care. He noted that this clinic represents a new horizon in treating peritoneal malignancies, offering patients renewed hope through innovation. He highlighted HIPEC, which allows targeted treatment for conditions once considered beyond cure, improving both survival and quality of life.
He lauded Dr. Praveen Ravishankaran and Dr. Arulraj for their vision and stated that the hospital team’s unique approach is its competitive advantage. He also challenged the oncology team to make HIPEC the best in the country—not in terms of numbers, but in outcomes, safety, and patient experience—and said that with passion and commitment, they would achieve this.
With this launch, the hospital now offers the full spectrum of cancer care, from prevention to advanced therapy and rehabilitation, marking a proud step forward.
What is HIPEC?
HIPEC is a highly specialised procedure offered to select patients with cancers that have spread within the abdominal cavity, such as ovarian cancer, appendiceal tumours, colorectal cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma, gastric cancers, and certain rare peritoneal malignancies.
The treatment involves two key steps -Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) to remove the visible tumour deposits, followed by circulation of heated chemotherapy within the abdomen at a controlled temperature. This targeted approach directly destroys microscopic cancer cells, enhances drug penetration, improves effectiveness, and reduces systemic side effects typically associated with conventional chemotherapy.
Speaking about the launch, Dr. Praveen Ravishankaran and Dr. Arulraj Consultant stated that the clinic aims to provide comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and follow-up under one roof.
“Our team has gained extensive experience in CRS and HIPEC, and having performed 25 cases with excellent outcomes, we are now establishing a specialised clinic to ensure structured, protocol-based, multi-disciplinary care for these complex cancers.
The HIPEC Specialty Clinic will offer patients timely diagnosis, selection, prehabilitation, post-operative care, and long-term monitoring, all backed by a dedicated expert team.”
The newly established clinic brings together a multi-disciplinary team including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, anesthesiologists, intensivists, pathologists, physiotherapists, dieticians, and palliative care experts.
The procedure takes 6 to 8 hours and it costs around 7 to 8 lakhs.
This coordinated model ensures holistic care, better recovery, reduced complications, and improved quality of life for patients.
With the increasing incidence of abdominal cancers and improved evidence supporting HIPEC as a life-extending treatment, GKNM Hospital aims to create awareness among patients and general practitioners about the benefits of early referral, International studies have shown that in well-selected patients, HIPEC can significantly improve survival, reduce recurrence, and enhance long-term outcomes.
The new clinic will also focus on patient support services, counselling, and financial guidance, ensuring that deserving patients have access to world-class treatment options.
The hospital plans to extend its training, academic partnerships, and clinical research in the field of peritoneal surface oncology, contributing to scientific advancement and improved patient care standards.
With the launch of this clinic, GKNM Hospital reinforces its commitment to offering state-of-the-art, compassionate, and comprehensive cancer care, making Coimbatore an important hub for HIPEC treatment in South India.
