Government assesses AHRCC capacity

BHUBANESWAR: Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC), Cuttack’s metamorphosis into a full-fledged medical college is set to gain pace with the State Government initiating the capacity assessment process for the purpose.The AHRCC has proposed to put the transformation process in motion by introducing post graduate, post-PG as well as superspeciality programmes at first and gradually integrate them with the MBBS courses in the later stages. The Government is keen to start off with MD, MCh, Diploma of National Board (DNB), Post Doctoral Certificate Course (PDCC), Operation Theatre Technician and Cancer Nursing courses.The AHRCC authorities have been directed to make a capacity assessment study in terms of infrastructure, staff, equipment and bed strength and submit a report to the State Health and Family Welfare Department within a month. On the basis of the report, steps would be taken to fulfil the requirements and the MCI be moved for starting of the courses. And, if everything moves in the right direction, some of the programmes could be rolled out as early as the next academic session 2012-13. The hospital, in fact, in its existing form is capable of commencing PG programmes in Anaesthesiology, Pathology and Surgery.The issue was taken up at the Governing Body meeting of the AHRCC chaired by Health Minister Prasanna Acharya today. The Minister said that the Government was committed to turning hospital into a Centre of Excellence. Steps would also be taken add 100 more beds to the existing 241 through construction of new buildings. Increase in beds has become imperative to handle the rising patient load as well as starting of new educational courses. Currently, patients have to wait at least three to four months for admission, which in cancer is long and decisive period, sources said.The meeting also decided to launch the Suvidha Ausadh (medicine store) at the earliest to provide cancer drugs to the patients at vastly lower prices than in the market. The new building already has the facility to house the store and the hospital is awaiting drugs licence for the purpose. Once it is obtained, quotations would be called from companies to supply drugs at lowest prices. The drugs would be sold to patients on “no profit basis”, at least 30-40 percent less than the market prices.