Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Construction of a ‘Rugna Seva Sadan’ (charitable lodging facility) has finally begun at the Government Cancer Hospital (State Cancer Institute), which serves as a crucial support system for cancer patients from Marathwada and across Maharashtra. The facility will be a seven-storey building and is expected to permanently address a major concern of patients and their families finding a place to stay during treatment.
Administrative approval for the construction, with an estimated cost of Rs 14.88 crore, was granted through a government resolution in October. The project was pursued by consultant for the Maharashtra State Cancer Care Project, Dr Kailas Sharma along with dean Dr Shivaji Sukre and officer on special duty of the Government Cancer Hospital, Dr Arvind Gaikwad. Work on the building has now commenced.
The facility will be especially beneficial for paediatric cancer patients. Three floors will be dedicated to children undergoing cancer treatment along with their parents. The international organisation St. Jude Child Care Centres will provide free accommodation, meals, education and recreational support for children undergoing treatment for 6 to 9 months.
Completely free facility
The seven-storey building will include three floors reserved for children undergoing cancer treatment. The facility will be entirely free of cost and will be managed by St. Jude Child Care Centres. “This is a project very close to my heart, and it has received significant support from the government,” said consultant, Maharashtra State Cancer Care Project, Dr Kailas Sharma.
A major relief for patients and families
The bed capacity at the Government Cancer Hospital has increased from 100 to 300. The long-pending demand for a dharmashala is finally being fulfilled, which will be a major relief for cancer patients. As cancer treatment often requires several months, patients and their families will now have a place to stay throughout the treatment period after arriving in the city.
— Dr Shivaji Sukre, dean, GMCH