Constt work going on in full swing, manpower already sanctioned
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Sept 5: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is all set to make Rs 120-crore State Cancer Institute (SCI) in Jammu fully functional by August or September next year as the construction work of the building is going on in full swing while the adequate manpower to run the Institute has already been sanctioned and the finalization of the high end medical equipments is being undertaken on fast track basis.
In September 2019, the then J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik had laid the foundation stone for 100-bed SCI at Super Speciality Hospital (SSH), Jammu. The SCI is being established at an estimated cost of Rs 120 crore under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVD and Stroke (NPCDCS).
Once dedicated to the public, the SCI will function as an apex institute for cancer-related treatment which will mentor and coordinate activities of other institutes. It will also provide outreach services, diagnosis, and referral treatments, develop treatment protocols and undertake cancer research to enhance the efficacy of treatment in J&K.
Talking to Excelsior, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Professor and Head Regional Cancer Center and Nodal Officer for establishment of State Cancer Institute stated that the construction work of the SCI building is going on in full swing in premises of Super Specialty Hospital, Jammu. “As per the estimates of Engineering department who have taken up the job, the construction will be completed by mid 2022. At the same time procurement of highly advanced medical equipments is going on in full swing under experienced eyes of MD J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) Dr Yash Pal Sharma,” he added.
He further informed that the UT Administration has already sanctioned 196 posts of different cadres for the SCI while the finalization of the high end medical equipments like advanced Linear Accelerators with IMRT, IGRT, SRT facility, PET Scan, Brachytherapy, CT Simulator is being undertaken on fast track basis and their tendering or purchase will be completed by December end this year.
As per the reports, the SCI will have advanced operation theatres with modular and integrated specifications. There will be separate ICU and a dedicated bone marrow transplant unit. The Radiodiagnosis department will have the capability to perform image guided procedures much needed for correct diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The other diagnostic sections will have all medical equipments like automatic cell counters, highly advanced Biochemistry auto analyzer. The Pathology department will have the capability to perform advanced procedures like immune- histeo- chemistry, tumor markers etc. There will be a separate department to manage cancer pain with facilities like radio frequency ablation etc.
Moreover, there will be a separate cancer rehabilitation department with all physiotherapy equipments needed for rehabilitation of treated cancer patients. This will allow them to lead a normal life after they are cured from cancer. The cancer chemotherapy section will have the facility of chemotherapy infusers, chemotherapy recliner chairs etc. The radiation therapy section will be having all state of art medical equipments capable of performing image guided radiotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy and interstitial implants.
Another important feature of the project will be the incorporation of Electronic Medical Record system (EMR) whereby all records, patient data, investigations, treatment records of all patients will be available digitally. This will greatly smoothen the functioning of the center. The patients will not have to search for their reports, treatment records, appointments etc. All this will be available in their smart phone with a password.
Dr Ashutosh Gupta said that as a part of establishment of State Cancer Institute, the existing Oncology department in GMC Jammu will also be up-graded and will continue serving cancer patients attending GMC Jammu. He said in this regard, the Department has already procured Radiation Therapy Simulator, all Dosimetric and Mould room equipments while the up-gradation of existing Tele-Cobalt machine is under way and will be completed shortly.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
