Steps taken to make Cachar cancer free

* AAI assists Cachar Cancer Hospital for nuclear medicine facility

Special Correspondent

Silchar: Under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) project, Airport Authority of India (AAI) has come forward to assist Cachar Cancer Hospital located at Meherpur near this town with a grant of Rs.11.40 crore for establishing nuclear medicine facility for patients.

As a part of the donation, Dr Ravi Kannan, director of Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) received a cheque of Rs.3,34,27,388 crore from C N Andy, station director-in-charge AAI, Silchar. In fact, the cheque handing over ceremony took place between the AAI and the district administration at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar on Thursday.

The AAI is extending its hand for establishing nuclear medicine facility at a cost of Rs.11.40 crore at the Cancer Hospital which is completing its silver jubilee in 2019. On this eventful occasion were present S Lakshmanan, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, MLAs Dilip Kumar Paul, Aminul Haque Laskar and Kishore Nath. Rs.76 lakh is being extended for the construction of building. In addition to that, Rs.1.4 crore is to be earmarked for modernization of laboratory, pathology department and for purchase of necessary equipments and tools.

The MLAs have been provided Rs.50 lakh each from the specially generated fund ‘Shurit’ of the Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal in order to help cancer patients as well as those critically ill, being affected by dreaded diseases. Dr Ravi Kannan while appreciating the financial help extended by the AAI said with the provision of nuclear medicine facility, no cancer patient from Barak Valley will have to go outside for treatment. CCHRC has set a goal for movement towards cancer free Cachar.

CN Andy speaking about the modernization of Kumbhirgram Airport said a new terminal building and passenger lounge are in the plan of expansion. The AAI, C N Andy added to say, under its welfare package undertakes programme for skill development and creating solar power as a part of its ‘Green India’ drive in backward areas. It has also plan and programme for creating treatment facility, holding of health camp and distribution of free medicine in the neglected areas. With a view to making unemployed youths self-reliant, the AAI lays stress on skill development and service oriented works.