If a cancer patient goes to Dhaka for treatment, they have to find a room in a hotel or relative's house, where they will not have access to any specialised medical care.

Besides visiting the doctor, attendants may have to go to hospital frequently to seek emergency medical treatment for their patient.

Considering the situation of such critical patients, Bangladesh Cancer Aid Trust (BANCAT) yesterday launched "Alok Nibash", the first-of-its-kind cancer care home in Bangladesh.

Located at Block-A of Bashundhara Residential Area, the facility can house 24 cancer patients and attendants seeking treatment in Dhaka.

At Alok Nibash, patients will be provided with mental health support, physical wellness training, proper nutrition, and transport to medical facilities.

At present, there are four specially trained nurses, two ward-staffers and other support staff to care for the patients.

Anis A Khan, senior vice president of BANCAT, said, "Our aim is to ensure that a patient gets the complete care they deserve throughout the treatment period, as care is the most vital element to increase the probability of a patient healing soon."

"The 'Alok Nibash' name symbolises succour, courage, shelter and care for cancer warriors," he added.

The launching ceremony of Alok Nibash was attended by Mominul Islam, managing director and CEO of IPDC; Murtaza Karim, country manager of EXPO Group; Imran Rahman, vice-chancellor and dean of School of Business at University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh; and many other distinguished personalities.