Parimal Shuklabaidya assures help to Cachar Cancer Hospital

Special Correspondent

Silchar, June 10: Parimal Shuklabaidya, Minister of PWD, Excise and Fisheries, visited Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC), Meherpur, near here today. During his interaction with the director and members of the Society, he was given a brief account of the cancer treatment centre and its immediate requirements for modernization and expansion to provide better treatment to the poor patients of Barak Valley and other places. Since 1996, CCHRC has been working with the objectives of holding awareness camps, to set up a full-fledged cancer hospital and research centre and at the same time extend best of treatment to the patients.

 The Minister was apprised of how with the sustained campaign and hard work of a team of doctors led by eminent oncologist Dr. Ravi Kann, dedicated nursing and paramedical staff, the hospital has reached near its goal. Mass awareness by the Society has awakened and made people aware of the symptoms of the dreaded disease and come forward for examition and treatment. The number of patients is on the rise. In 2015, 2996 patients got admitted, of which 1555 were confirmed as cancer.

 The hospital today stands in dire need of further modernization of treatment and expansion of accommodation. It is regrettable, as Dr. Ravi Kann, director of the CCHRC, said neither the Centre nor the state has come forward with any fincial package. The people’s project is basically being run on public dotions. A memorandum was submitted to Parimal Shuklabaidya which requested support for this CCHRC. The 5 point representation pleaded for release of money for construction of cancer society building under Chief Minister’s Special Package for Barak Valley with an estimated approval value of Rs.1.5 crore under the executive engineer, PWD Silchar building division.

 The Society had applied to the Government of India for support under the ‘tertiary care cancer centre’. The application was forwarded by the state health department with the recommendation from the former Chief Minister to the Union Health Minister. The Minister was asked for his support in expediting the application in the Union Health Ministry. It was also pointed out that the Society had applied for ‘no objection certificate’ from the state government to start college of oncology to train specialists in the subject. This is vital for the state and the region.

 The hospital had applied for registration under the Clinical Establishment Act under old rules. The registration has been held up since new rules have been formed. The registration is important to get approval from insurance agencies and other organizations. Besides, application was also sent to the tiol Health Mission for support to treat poor cancer patients. The request was also made for posting of M.S. (general surgery, ENT and gyecology), M.D. (general medicine, aesthesia) and post graduates to the hospital. The Minister went through the memorandum and other papers and said that he would move his government and the Centre, so that the requirements of the CCHRC were met in the best interest of the people of this valley and the neighbouring states.