Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday the establishment of high-quality cancer care centers in the state, aimed at providing treatment at affordable rates.
In a post on social media platform X, CM Sarma emphasized the significance of National Cancer Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of spreading awareness about the disease and correcting misconceptions. He noted, “With advancements in medical science, cancer treatment has progressed significantly, offering a high chance of recovery for patients.”
Today is National Cancer Awareness Day; a day to spread awareness about the disease and dispel rumours surrounding it.
With advancement in medical science, cancer treatment has evolved and there are high chances of recovery for patients.
In Assam, through the ACCF, we have… pic.twitter.com/Gwptok8YWi
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 7, 2024
Sarma stated that the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) is responsible for setting up these cancer care centres, which focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer patients, ultimately enhancing their quality of life at lower costs.
The state government is allocating at least Rs 135 crore to the ACCF for the construction of four cancer hospitals across the state. A total of ten hospitals will be built in a phased approach, with the first three located in Silchar, Guwahati, and Diphu. The remaining seven will be established in Dhubri, Nalbari, Goalpara, Golaghat, Nagaon, Sivasagar, and Tinsukia during the second phase.
He further mentioned that Assam’s cancer care model is being replicated by other states across the country. “The entire nation is looking to follow Assam’s example. To position Assam as a key location for cancer care, we are planning enhancements to this initiative,” he remarked.
In a related development, CM Sarma inaugurated a cancer care unit at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), which is a collaboration between the state government and Tata Trusts and is part of a broader network of 17 hospitals in the state.
He also noted the upcoming launch of an apex cancer care hospital in Guwahati, categorized as a category 1 facility. The project will receive Rs 1,180 crore from Tata Trusts, Rs 180 crore from the Union government, and over Rs 80 crore from additional contributions.
Operations of these facilities will be managed by the Assam Cancer Care Foundation. The Chief Minister assured that if any revenue shortfall occurs by the year’s end, the state government would cover the difference, confirming that ten cancer care centres are currently operational and have treated over 215,000 patients.