Cuttack: In a significant development that would benefit people suffering from cancer, the Orissa High Court (HC) today directed the state Government to bear all expense of Positron Emission Tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) scans of the patients from tomorrow.

The court pronounced the interim order today while hearing a PIL filed by cancer patient Anita Buddhia.

The HC also expressed its discontentment over the applicant's allegation about unavailability of facilities at Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer for conduct  of PET-CT scans of patients.

Sources said cancer patients in the state visit private laboratories for scanning and cough up hefty amount of money due to unavailability of proper facilities at the premier hospital here.