KOCHI: The opening of the Kochi Cancer Centre Out-Patient (OP) wing is in limbo with the Special Officer Dr Asha Thomas going on medical leave for almost a month till April 30 while deployment of staff for the centre has not even reached the halfway mark.
However, the construction and connected ancillary works on the OP building have been completed. But recruitment of doctors remains a major bottleneck though two oncologists have been roped in on deputation to be at OP for three to four hours a day.
According to the authorities, the election code of conduct does not permit formal opening of the OP now. Students on the Ernakulam Government Medical College campus said that the building which will house the OP wing remains locked.
The Health Department is understood to have called a meeting on May 2 at the state capital to decide the future course of action for the cancer centre.
The two oncologists who have come on deputation to the OP wing are Dr Ushasree now working with the Ernakulam General Hospital and Idukki Government Medical College principal Dr Jose Tom. Seven staff are joining on deputation including nursing and office staff.
“A total of 31 other posts of staff have been sanctioned including a few doctors but recruitment can happen after giving an advertisement. But since the election code of conduct is now in force, that process will take place only later. The opening of the OP is expected only after the elections,” said a senior health department official.
Meanwhile, the works with regard to realizing the main block of the cancer centre too are understood to be in limbo with the Special Officer going on medical leave. Some of the officials of Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation which prepared the detailed project report of the Kochi Cancer Centre are expected to visit the state to hold further discussions on the DPR.
