Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid the foundation stone of Bagchi-Karunashraya Palliative Care and Bagchi – Shri Shankara Cancer Centre – at Info Valley-2 in the Odisha capital on Monday.
In a video message, the CM said the two projects are being initiated on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra. “I would like to thank Susmita Bagchi and Subroto Bagchi for their philanthropy and noble efforts to create two world-class institutions in Odisha,” he said.
The Bagchi couple has pledged Rs 340 crore towards the establishment of one of the largest oncology centres in the country.
Naveen said that Shri Shankara Cancer Foundation led by Dr B S Srinath is setting up the cancer hospital, which will work on a subsidy model. ” It will be a 750-bed hospital with the latest technology,” he said, adding that it would become a leading research institute and serve humanity.
He also mentioned Kishore S Rao and Gurmeet Randhawa, who providing the dying with dignity for the last 25 years through Karunashraya.
“Such a kind institution providing world-care Palliative Care is being set up in Odisha. It will provide free palliative care to advanced-stage cancer patients who are beyond cure. Both the institution will help the patients in accessing quality healthcare facilities, especially the poor,” he said.
The facility will be constructed on 20 acres of land with the financial assistance of Rs. 130 crore donated by Bagchi couple. This is incidentally the single largest donation towards the establishment of a palliative care centre in India.
It will have a 110-bed in-patient facility, education and research, staff residences, a 500 seat Auditorium and various patient-centric facilities such as a wellness centre and rejuvenation area.
The CM further assured that his government will provide all support for early completion to serve the people of Odisha.
The facilities are likely to become operational by 2024.
Also Read: Cancer Hospital & Palliative Care Centre In Bhubaneswar To Be Operational By 2024!
