At a time when many families in North 24 Parganas are struggling with rising cancer cases and fear of aggressive treatments, the 18-year survival story of Kolkata resident Ratna Chatterjee is drawing attention and hope. Chatterjee, now 76, was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer in 2006 after months of misdiagnosis. Doctors had warned that chemotherapy and radiation could leave her unable to swallow food normally. Living alone and with her daughter settled outside Bengal, the prospect of lifelong dependence deeply worried her.
Her condition began to improve after she started treatment at D.S. Research Centre in Varanasi, where she was treated through Ayurvedic-based nutrient energy methods. According to Chatterjee, the treatment did not involve hospitalisation or severe side effects. Within weeks, her pain while swallowing reduced and her strength gradually returned.
Now living independently in Kolkata, she continues her routine life and regularly travels alone for medical follow-ups. Families in areas such as Barrackpore, Barasat and Madhyamgram are increasingly seeking information about alternative treatment paths.
