Pioneer reports on Orissa government’s plan to increase the number of beds in the Cuttack cancer center. Following are some excerpts.

The State Government on Tuesday decided to increase the number of beds in the Acharya Harihara Regional Cancer Centre in Cuttack. This is the only Government institute in the State that offers medical treatment to a large number of cancer patient in and outside the State. The State Government has already accorded autonomous status to this institute.

… However, the State now, boasts of a few private medical institutions which offers treatment to the cancer patients. But, still it is beyond the reach of the common man.

… the State Government has decided to refurbish the medical institutions. …

As per the decision, another 70 beds will be added to the existing strength of 146. With this the number of beds will come to 216. Out of the 70 beds, 50 will be accommodated in the cabins and other in general wards.

Another 150 staff nurses will be given appointment. All the patients will be provided AC room facilities at least for a period of four months and provided with colour TV sets, having cable connection.

… the State Government had approached the Centre to provide at least Rs 7 crore to get modern equipment like the Linear Accelerator. “Once this hospital gets the machine, cancer treatment will be more scientific and the treatment will be made more focused one,” …