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Anandalok plans new branch at Ranigunj

KOLKATA: Anandalok, a private sector hospital set up about 20 years ago with the aim of providing medical treatment to the lower and middle-class of the society, is now planning to introduce by-pass heart surgery for Rs 45,000 only.

At present, Anandalok has 17 branches in the city and it is planning to open a new one at Ranigunj in the Burdwan district. This was announced by Mr O.P Dhanuka, Chairman of the Anandalok Trust, which runs the medical organisations.

According to Mr Dhanuka, the total cost of setting up the by-pass operation theatre along with all required equipment is Rs 6.5 crore. ``The first phase, in which the operation theatre will be ready by September, will cost Rs 2 crore. In the second phase , we will set up by the angiography and angioplasty facilities'', Mr Dhanuka told newspersons here.

The project would be funded by donations from the general public and industrialists. Dr D.K. Saraf, Secretary of the trust and the key figure of the project, said: ``We are self-reliant with our daily operations. Donations are used for capital expenditur e only. In 2000-01, we registered a surplus of Rs 94.29 lakhs'', Dr Saraf said.

The Ranigunj Chamber of Commerce has donated land to Anandalok for a hospital in their region. ``We have already initiated activity there; but on a low key'', he said.

Anandalok offers treatment of tuberculosis for just Rs 5. Eye examination and spectacles cost Rs 10. Treatment at the intensive cardiac care unit cost Rs 75 per day. Implantation of pacemaker costs Rs 2,000 only. ``Despite such low rates, we are register ing surplus and both my staff and patients are happy'', Dr Saraf added. -- Our Bureau