Dr. Joe Jose
Medical Oncologist
MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology), DM (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP (SCE)
Request appointmentComprehensive Oncology · Thodupuzha
Cancer care in Kerala, led by India's first bone marrow transplant pioneer.
Co-founded by Padma Bhushan Dr. Suresh H. Advani — 50+ years of oncology, 30 as Chief at Tata Memorial Hospital. Medical oncology, surgical oncology, day-care chemotherapy and supportive care, all in Thodupuzha.
- NABH-accredited
- 24×7 Emergency
- 300-bed single-room hospital
Why Smita Memorial
Why Smita for cancer care
Smita Memorial Hospital was co-founded by Dr. Suresh H. Advani — one of India's most respected oncologists and the first to perform a bone marrow transplant in the country. His vision was simple: patients across Kerala and beyond should not have to leave their district for world-class cancer treatment. The oncology department carries that mission.
- Co-founded by Dr. Suresh H. AdvaniPadma Bhushan & Padma Shri awardee; pioneer of India's first bone marrow transplant.
- Medical + surgical oncology togetherChemotherapy, targeted therapy and cancer surgery planned as one pathway.
- NABH-accredited single-room careNo general wards — every inpatient has a private room.
- Day-care chemotherapy infusionOn-site infusion with vascular-access and supportive care.
Meet the team
Doctors leading your care
Treating consultants shown below. Clinic availability varies — the appointments team confirms the right doctor and slot.
Dr. Reshma R Balachandran
Surgical Oncology
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology), DNB, MRCS (Edinburgh)
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Padma Bhushan · Padma Shri
Our oncology legacy
Treated by the oncologist who performed India's first bone marrow transplant.
Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri — Prof. (Dr.) Suresh H. Advani, Co-Founder of Smita Memorial Hospital & Research Centre.
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), FICP, MNAMS, FNAMS · Trained at Royal Marsden, London & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- 1stSuccessful bone marrow transplant in India
- 50+Years in oncology practice
- 30Years as Chief of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital
- 500+Research publications
- Padma Bhushan (2012) and Padma Shri (2002) — Government of India civilian honours for his contribution to medicine.
- Performed India's first successful bone marrow transplant, on a nine-year-old girl with myeloid leukaemia, after training with Dr. E. Donnall Thomas (1990 Nobel laureate) in Seattle.
- Led the oncology service at Tata Memorial Hospital as Chief for three decades and set up oncology at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.
- Clinical trials in 1,200 paediatric leukaemia patients raised treatment success from 20% to 70%.
- Has treated thousands of patients from across India and abroad — including industry leaders, actors, politicians and sportspeople — and continues to see patients today.
- Co-founded Smita Memorial Hospital so that patients across Kerala do not have to leave the state for world-class cancer care.
Treatments & services
Cancer services at Smita
- Medical oncology OPD and consultation
- Chemotherapy and targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy (as clinically appropriate)
- Surgical oncology — breast, GI, head & neck, uro-oncology (planned with the surgical team)
- Day-care infusion unit
- Vascular-access (port) placement and care
- Pain management and palliative care
- Second-opinion review on existing pathology and imaging
Treatment list is drawn from Smita Memorial Hospital's own oncology department page. Advanced treatments (bone marrow transplant, cellular therapy, etc.) may be considered or referred within the hospital's wider network based on clinical review.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure supporting cancer care
- 6 operating theatres
- 54 ICU beds (Medical/Surgical/CCU/PICU/NICU)
- In-house laboratory with automated systems
- Radiology and imaging support
- Blood centre
“Starting treatment under Dr. Advani's team, in our own district, gave the whole family courage.”— Oncology patient family, Kerala
Testimonial reflects general patient experience; names withheld for privacy.
Questions
Before your visit
Answers are general and do not replace clinical evaluation.
Can I get a second opinion before deciding on treatment?
Yes. Bring the pathology report (biopsy), imaging CDs/scans, and any prior treatment summary. The oncology team will review the diagnosis and discuss options with you.
Is chemotherapy given as day-care?
Many chemotherapy regimens are given through our day-care infusion unit, so patients do not always need an overnight stay.
Are cashless and insurance claims accepted?
The hospital works with empanelled insurers. Share your policy and insurer details when booking so the team can confirm cashless eligibility.
Where did Dr. Suresh H. Advani train, and what has he done?
Dr. Advani is a Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee and was the first in India to perform a bone marrow transplant. He has led oncology departments across leading Indian hospitals and co-founded Smita Memorial Hospital to bring that expertise to Kerala.
Service with Smile
Talk to the appointments team
Appointments confirmed by hospital team, subject to doctor availability. For emergencies, call 0486 235 0700.