Cancer unit to come up at GGH

- Government signs an MoU with NATCO
- NATCO to spend Rs 30 crore for the project
- Medical facilities to be provided at free of cost

The State government entered into an MoU with NATCO for establishing a cancer unit at Guntur Government General Hospital. The NATCO would spend Rs 30 crore for the unit out of which Rs 16.5 crore would be spent for medical infrastructure.

Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas and NATCO Pharmaceutical Company Chairman and Managing Director Venkaiah Chowdary Nannapaneni have exchanged the agreements, at Interim Secretariat Complex here on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion Kamineni said that the agreement would help to cancer patients, who were facing mentally, physically and financial trauma.

“Post bifurcation, except SVIMS there is no other suitable medical institution for treating the cancer patients. NATCO has come forward to establish the cancer unit and provide medical facilities with free of cost. The State government would provide infrastructure and other remaining facilities including equipment would be provided by NATCO,” he added.

The Minister said the company has been providing cancer drug for low cost after overcoming legal challenges. “The State government has plans to enter into an MOU with the company for using the medicines,” he averred.

NATCO Chairman Venkaiah Chowdary Nannapaneni said that the works would be initiated after handing over the site, which has been already identified. He said that construction would be completed in one-and-half-year.

The NATCO also wants to extend its services for paediatric ward in the hospital. He said most advanced medical facilities would be provided from this unit.

Principal secretary of Medical and Health department Poonam Malakondaiah, Ravi Shankar Ayyannar and other officials were also present.