Cancer centre seeks Rs 5-cr Central aid

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, SEP. 11. The MNJ Institute of Oncology here has sought assistance to the tune of Rs. 5 crores from the Centre for upgrading its facilities for cancer treatment.

The Director of the Institute, Dr. B. N. Rao, submitted a memorandum to Dr. Ashok Gupta of the National Cancer Control Programme during his visit here earlier this week. The institute was recently recognised as a regional cancer centre entitling it for Central funding though the State Government has to foot the bill for maintenance.

The Health Minister, Dr. S. Aruna, told reporters during a surprise visit to the hospital on Tuesday that the amount, if sanctioned, would be utilised for acquiring a treatment planning simulator and a cobalt unit costing Rs. 1.75 crores each and a remote controlled high dose rate after-loading intra cavity radiation system costing another Rs. 85 lakhs.

After going through the attendance registers, she expressed unhappiness at the absence of some senior doctors during her visit and ordered the termination of services of Dr. Ram Mohan Reddy for his unauthorised absence. The doctors told the Minister that the staff strength was not sufficient considering the large number of patients treated daily at the hospital.

Several patients complained to Dr. Aruna that expensive drugs and medicines were not available at the hospital forcing them to purchase them from outside. Even white card holders had to purchase chemotherapy drugs costing up to 9 Rs. 1100.

Yet another grouse of patients was the collection of Rs. 50 as a tip by the staff for administering radiation. Some others said the drugstore was demanding Rs. 150 for issuing bills to the patients going in for reimbursement.

The Health Minister also visited the 125-bed Government ENT Hospital at Kothi and asked the Superintendent, Dr. K. Dwaraknath, to boost the image of the institution as it had earned disrepute for frequent absence of doctors. She, however, expressed satisfaction at the overall functioning of the hospital and its maintenance.

She suggested to the hospital administrators to approach MPs and other political leaders when they told her about lack of funds for maintenance. Once the hospital earned a good image, there would be no problem in persuading them to donate funds. She offered to examine the request for a Government grant of Rs. 50 lakhs for acquiring new instruments for the hospital.

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Section  : Southern States
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