Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 6:

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today laid the foundation stone for Apollo’s Cancer Institute, located on its premises here.

Speaking on the occasion Patnaik said, “When operational, this new cancer hospital will be a boon to Odisha’s cancer patients as they will get best-in-class treatment right here without having to travel to other states. Incidence of breast and cervical cancers among women in Odisha is high and both need special treatment, which this new hospital will provide.”

Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “The Apollo Cancer Institute in Bhubaneswar will serve the people of Odisha and also patients from neighbouring states. At Apollo, we firmly believe that cancer is conquerable and this ethos motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries in cancer care. Our battle against this disease has spanned over two decades; it has witnessed several momentous milestones and set new benchmarks in the country.  We are very grateful to farsighted leaders like the Odisha Chief Ministe Naveen Patnaik ji for encouraging us in our endeavour to introduce cutting edge Oncology into Odisha as Apollo is passionately committed to always bringing in the best in cancer care for its fellow citizens.”

Sudhir M. Diggikar,Regional Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Hospitals, Odisha & Chhattisgarh region added, “Apollo Hospitals has always taken the lead in providing superior quality healthcare and this cancer hospital when complete will benefit the people of Odisha and the neighbouring states by providing them complete cancer care under one roof.” Initially it will be a 50-bed hospital with state-of-the art facilities and will have the latest and the best technology, manned by a large pool of renowned specialists and supported by a dedicated team of medical and paramedical professionals.

This new Apollo Cancer Institute will offer specialty healthcare of international standards with outcomes matching those of the world's best hospitals. The cancer institute after completion will have two state of the art “CLINAC” radiation machines to offer latest radiation therapy treatment. This institute will also have“BRACHYTHERAPY” equipment whose function is to place radioactive sources inside the patient on a temporary or permanent basis to damage cancer cells’ DNA and destroy their ability to divide and grow, a hospital release said.

Apart from the above two technology the institute will also have Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET CT). The new cancer block will be a five-storey building. The project will be completed within an approximate cost of Rs. 100 crore and is expected to be completed in 18 months. The new block would also have facilities like a new Cath Lab, operation theatres, more dialysis beds, more OPD chambers, additional day care beds and a multi-level parking, it added.