KOCHI: The Kochi Cancer Centre will be a 400-bed hospital when its three phase construction is completed. Started with the outpatient wing in the first phase where chemotherapy is already being given, the cancer centre will have 213 beds in the second phase and 187 beds in the third phase. These are outlined in the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the Central Government owned Hospital Service Consultancy Corporation (HSCC) based on suggestions from experts of the Kochi Cancer Research Centre OP wing and Regional Cancer Centre. The DPR has been submitted to the State Government.
The DPR states that the building having 25,467 sq metre area in the second phase can be constructed in 36 months at a cost of Rs 360 crore from the date of sanction of the State Government. It has not specified the cost for the third phase. A senior health department official said that the research centre would come up only in the third phase along with hostel facilities and night shelter for bystanders. There will be nine operation theatres in the second phase, both major and minor, including for endoscopy and emergency. Departments will be positioned in such a way as to enable easy co-ordination. The structure will be built in such a way that there is scope for further expansion.
HSCC had earlier prepared the draft DPR for the project but the new government asked it to revise it after incorporating the opinion of experts from RCC and others. The State Government will take a decision on who will implement the project though public opinion is in favour of entrusting it to HSCC which has the expertise in implementing similar large-scale projects. “I have received the DPR and it need not go to the State Cabinet for approval but will need approval from the Health Minister only. Then it will be uploaded to the website of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIFB) after modifications if any, which will decide on the funding for the project,” Health Secretary Mr Rajeev Sadanandan told DC.
