KOCHI: The Kerala Medical Service Corporation Limited (KMSCL) under the State Government is moving ahead with the procurement of instruments for the short term requirement of the Cochin Cancer Research Centre (CCRC) which amounts to Rs 6.2 crore. The main short term plans are to set up a mammogram unit, an ultrasound scan, immuno analyser, microtom and tissue processor for pathological investigations, ready an operation theatre on the premises of the Ernakulam Government Medical College exclusively to cater to the needs of CCRC patients and ready a speech and swallow clinic, procure instruments for early detection and treatment of gynecological cancers.
According to official sources, KMSCL top brass convened a meeting recently in which the ongoing tendering process for the instruments which they themselves cannot provide, was reviewed. Those who have the wherewithal to provide the instruments with the right specifications will be asked to make a demonstration and the lowest quoted bidder meeting the requirement will be selected. An official said that the equipment is expected to reach CCRC by March-April end.
The operation theatre provided by EMC has not become functional as CCRC has not been given the required instruments for the purpose by KMSCL. The speech and swallowing clinic is for patients having cancers in the larynx who have undergone surgery and radiotherapy while immuno-analsyser is for patients suffering from almost all cancers. The clinic assists in the process of swallowing with various techniques after assessing abnormalities and also assesses voice prior to surgery and after surgery and response to speech and helps in rehabilitation.
