AHRCC set for further expansion

With plans for elevating it  to the apex centre of excellence gaining ground, the Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC) is set for an immediate capacity expansion along with intensification of academic activities.

 The State Government on Monday announced addition of 30 beds to the existing around 251 at the earliest and introduction of superspecialisation courses in two disciplines. The superspeciality M.Ch. courses would be in Surgical Oncology and Gynec Oncology disciplines.

 The AHRCC would submit a proposal to the Government to be forwarded to the MCI for approval. The PG superspeciality courses, with minimum two seats in each discipline, would be started from the next academic session.

 The Governing Body meeting of the AHRCC, convened under the chairmanship of Health Minister Prasanna Acharya, discussed the expansion plan while a `350-crore proposal has been submitted to the Centre for elevating it to centre of excellence.

 Thirty beds would be added immediately  with increase of around 100 beds envisaged in the present setup. The beds would be accommodated in the new Annexe building of the AHRCC.

 The Centre would be providing 75 per cent of the funds while the State would contribute 25 per cent for the centre of excellence. “The project would be executed by HLL Lifecare Limited, which entails construction of an integrated 10-storied complex over 4 lakh sq feet floor space. The masterplan for the centre of excellence project would be ready by September and work would commence from December”, Acharya said.

 The meeting stressed the need for  providing facilities and services for attendants of cancer patients, who come from far off places for treatment at the only Government-run cancer hospital of the State.

 The Dharmasala, established by the Bartia Trust on the campus, would be expanded to provide accommodation and shelter to 100 people. Presently, it has a capacity of housing 60 people.

 The Minister also directed the hospital authorities to expedite establishment of the Suvidha Ausadhi drug store project. This store would  provide costly cancer medicines to the patients at subsidised prices.

The store should be opened by the first week of October, Acharya said.