Cochin Cancer Centre work likely to be completed by mid-May

Cochin Cancer Research Centre nears completion, expected to be fully operational by May 15 with 360 beds.

The Cochin Cancer Research Centre will be fully ready by May 15, according to the authorities.

Health Minister Veena George, who attended a review meeting on the progress of works along with Industries Minister P. Rajeeve here on Tuesday, said that the super-specialty block at the Government Medical College, Ernakulam, was expected to be ready by July 30.

She said that civil, electrical and plumbing works at the cancer centre building had been completed. Power connection and no-objection certificate from the Department of Fire and Rescue Services have also been obtained. A few other approvals, including the nod from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, are in the pipeline. For this, the required works had to be completed without any delay, she told the officials at the meeting.

The authorities stated that the work on installing medical equipment at the centre was in the final stage. Scanning machine and other key equipment have been installed. The operation theatres would also be made functional soon, they said.

Work on the super-specialty hospital at the Government Medical College is in the final stage. Development works to the tune of about ₹283 crore had been initiated at the institution. About 98% of the work has been completed. Ms. George warned the officials that stringent action would be taken if the deadline of July 30 was breached. The Ministers asked the District Collector and officials to hold regular review meetings to finish the work as per the schedule.

The cancer centre facility is spread over 6.4 lakh sq.ft. There will be a total of 360 beds. The master plan has included infrastructure for setting up proton therapy at the cancer centre building. The cost of construction of the centre was about ₹384.3 crore.