With the state government announcing its final decision on the takeover of Cochin Medical College, Kochi’s dreams of having a modern cancer research institute and treatment centre is also soaring high.
The volunteers of the movement which has been campaigning for the cancer centre, since its inception, have often pointed out that the takeover of the CMC would be of great help in realising the dream. It is pointed out that around 35 acres of land in the possession of the CMC could be utilised for establishing the cancer centre. Justice Krishna Iyer who is leading the campaign has often raised the demand.
“The government takeover of the CMC is a boost for the cancer centre proposal. We are demanding not just a cancer care centre, but a modern health care complex with facilities for cancer research and treatment,” said the campaigners.
Now that the takeover of the CMC has been realised, the government can initiate the proceeding for the cancer centre, as promised. Finance Minister K M Mani has already said that the preliminary work for the cancer centre can be initiated using the budget allotment of `5 crore. If this amount is not utilised this financial year, it will lapse,” said Dr N K Sanil Kumar, a volunteer of the movement, who has also conducted a research on the rising number of cancer cases in the state.
“We also suggest that the government should appoint a special officer so that the preliminary work for the cancer research centre can be initiated using the fund,” Dr Sanil said.
Led by Justice V R Krishna Iyer, the campaign for the cancer centre was launched by actor Dileep in October. It gained momentum within two weeks after the launch. “We have been getting tremendous support. We are receiving a good response from the Malayalis abroad also,” said Dr Sanil
The campaign is backed by several supporters, including many from the film fraternity. Actors Mammootty and Innocent, film producer Antony Mathew, director Aashiq Abu and actor-wife Rima Kallingal are full of support for the proposal.