Report by Priyabrata Nayak; Bhubaneswar: If everything goes according to the proposal, then Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC) of Cuttack would be a premier cancer centre in the country. The State government has sent a Rs. 350 crore estimated proposal to government of India which is yet to get the nod of it.

This proposal was sent in wake of center’s plan to convert some cancer centre of several states, including AHRCC into an apex cancer centre. State Health and Family Welfare Minister Prasanna Acahrya said, in coming September we will chalk out a master plan for this. Out of the total estimated cost of Rs. 350 crore State government will spent 25 percent and rest of amount by Center. State government has already sanctioned the said amount”. Apart from it two new courses will be started here. It was decided at AHRCC’s governing body meeting, which was held at Secretariat under the chairmanship of Health Minister, here today.

Speaking to scribes Acharya said, “every year large number of patients of Odisha moving other states for cancer treatment. Once AHRCC have all the advanced treatment facilities here, nobody needs to go outside. We have also decided to enhance number of seats to 30 at AHRCC. Not only this the decision taken to start Surgical Onchology and MCH of Gynecology Onchology course at AHRCC.”  After it turns into an apex  centre we are ready fulfill all the required staffs, he added. Minister Acharya directed to open up center’s own chemist shop within first week of October. So that cancer patients would be able to buy expensive medicines at a cheaper cost. The department has approved 20 new 4th class regular post.

To upgrade the infrastructure of AHRCC and to get sophisticated medical gadgets health department has inked a pact with Hindustan Lever Limited. HHL will wind up all the assignments within two years. At the first hand State government gave 18 lakh rupees to it. Also efforts are made to build 10 storied building with a plinth area of 4 lakh squire feet. In today’s meeting emphasis was given to enhance the 60 bedded attendance accommodation to 100 bed.

Bhartia trust gave its consent to finish it on priority basis. Commissioner cum Secretary Health and Family Welfare department, Pradipata mohapatra asked the AHRCC director to conclude all the work within estimated time.