KOCHI: State Human Rights Commission Chairman Justice J. B. Koshy on Monday asked the chief secretary to appear in person or send a representative to explain the current logjam in realizing the Kochi Cancer Centre on January 19.
He ordered this while considering a petition filed by the Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer Movement, advocate T. B. Mini and Kochi Corporation councillor Thambi Subramaniam seeking intervention from the part of the commission to speed up the process to realise the centre.
Justice Koshy observed that the lethargy on the part of the health department was causing the delay in realising the cancer centre.
Hence, he asked the chief secretary to explain since two IAS officers are involved namely health secretary Dr K. Elangovan and Special Officer for the cancer centre project Dr Asha Thomas. He also wondered whether the government was working in the direction of not realising the cancer centre.
Dr Asha Thomas and Special Officer (Technical) Dr V. P. Gangadharan had submitted a letter to Justice Koshy detailing the steps taken for the cancer centre so far and the impediments in her path to go further.
They said that the design and estimate for the OP block are ready and the work will be taken over by the PWD. The staff pattern also has been sent to the Health Department.
However, they pointed out that the GO specifying their rules and responsibilities has not come out and they are expecting it soon. They pointed out that only if this GO is issued, they will be able to intervene in the proceedings to realise the centre more effectively.
They also pointed out that in the Memorandum of Association and Rules of the society formed, both special officers are not members.
"Under these circumstances, the Health Secretary who is among seven members of the society, has been asked to form the society and the guidelines for the same have been given to him," they said.
They also pointed out that a comprehensive plan for the project has been given to the Health Secretary as both special officers have not been given any powers for constructing the cancer centre and staff deployment.
They also said that a letter has been written to the Health Department seeking permission to open a bank account to receive Rs 10 crore from the Excise Department to set up the OP.
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