Work of Tata Memorial Centre at Mullanpur on fast track Mohit Khanna Chandigarh, January 1 After initial flip-flop, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) is going ahead with its plan for setting up cancer treatment facility in Sarangpur. Recently, a proposal was made to shelve the project of setting up the cancer care centre at Sarangpur. It was learnt that Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) Hospital had started the construction of a state-of-the-art cancer centre in Mullanpur (New Chandigarh), whereas the plan of the PGIMER to set up a cancer centre in Sarangpur still exists on paper. An office-bearer had raised doubts on the issue of establishing a cancer centre in Sarangpur. “The cancer treatment facility doesn’t seem viable when a Tata primer cancer hospital is coming up in the same area, whereas we are still waiting for the transfer of land. Instead of spending Rs 500 to 600 crore on making a cancer centre, the money can be spent on the construction of some other medical facility,” said the office-bearer. Tata Memorial Hospital and Cancer Centre of PGIMER were introduced at the same time, but the PGIMER’s project has been stuck in a major bureaucratic hurdle after the UT Administration sought Rs 20 crore per acre for the transfer of 50 acres. However, Prof Jagat Ram, Director, PGIMER, is still optimistic about the project. Speaking to The Tribune, he said: “The matter of viability of the project was discussed, but it is in the interest of people. I am looking forward to establish cancer health facility in Sarangpur.” He said it would be better if more cancer centres were set up in the region. “Competition brings out the best. More facilities mean more options for treatment. Any private player offering cancer treatment will charge a premium amount, whereas at the PGI, patients from any segment can get treatment at reasonable price from medical experts,” said Prof Jagat Ram. Earlier during the year, the PGI had announced that it would set up a new out patient department (OPD), trauma centre, new learning centre and a full- fledged cancer centre at Sarangpur. The land was earmarked by the Administration. The four facilities are expected to be built at a cost of around Rs 2,500 crore.

Stay updated with all the Chandigarh Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.