Odisha CM dedicates PET-CT scan facility at Acharya Harihar PG Institute of Cancer to patients

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today dedicated the sophisticated PET-CT scan facility at Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute (AHPGIC) of Cancer in Cuttack to patients.

Joining the programme on virtual platform, Patnaik said PET-CT scan is considered as one of the central pillars in the treatment of cancer. The PET-CT scan facility at Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer is a first-of-its-kind initiative in a government-run hospital. Along with the LINAC machine, more facilities are also being developed for diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, he added.

He also launched the new IPD and ICU facilities at the institute. With this, the number of beds at IPD has gone up to 507 from the existing 281. Besides, the hospital has 20 beds in the ICU.

The Chief Minister said these facilities will be immensely helpful in boosting cancer care at AHPGIC. The facilities will certainly bring relief to the patients, he added.

The Chief Minister called upon the doctors and paramedical staff to treat cancer patients with empathy and create confidence in them.

“Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer is a premier institute for education, research and treatment of cancer.  The state government is committed to transform it into one of the best cancer care institutes in the country. The state government has included AHPGIC’s further expansion under the SCB redevelopment plan.  A new OT complex, OPD, pathology, academic area and hostels will also be developed under this plan,” said the Chief Minister.

Highlighting Odisha government’s initiatives in cancer care, the Chief Minister said, “The state government has approved cancer care units in ten districts to strengthen cancer care in Odisha.   Besides, we have already initiated steps to set up specialised cancer hospitals at Bargarh and Jharsuguda. We have also set up palliative care centres at district level.”

These steps will make Odisha a hub for cancer care in the eastern region of the country, added the Chief Minister.

Health Minister Naba Das outlined the Chief Minister’s vision of a healthy and happy Odisha and the steps taken by the state government to introduce new technologies and infrastructure at healthcare facilities.

The Health Minister appealed to people all to turn up in huge numbers to donate blood on the birthday of the Chief Minister on October 16.

Choudrwar-Cuttack MLA Souvic Biswal appreciated the Chief Minister’s initiative to make Cuttack a leading healthcare centre of the state.

Secretary to Chief Minister (5T) VK Pandian moderated the programme while Health Secretary Shalini Pandit gave the welcome address and AHPGIC Director offered the vote of thanks.