Former Supreme Court judge V R Krishna Iyer has urged the Chief Minister to implement the decision to take over Cochin Medical College (CMC).
At a press conference on Saturday, he said the government should stop its ‘drama’ on the takeover, which was announced seven months back. “The Chief Minister should announce the decision at the next Cabinet meeting,” he said. Justice Krishna Iyer urged the government to earmark funds for a cancer research and treatment centre in Kochi.
“The 35 acres of land in possession of the Cochin Medical College is lying idle. The government should take over and start proceedings for cancer hospital,” he said. A movement, headed by him, demanding a cancer research and treatment centre of international standards in Kochi was launched recently. Notable personalities, including film stars, film producers, veteran journalists, retired IAS officers and senior doctors, have come in his support to achieve the aim.
“The government should initiate steps to start the cancer centre this year itself by utilising the facilities at CMC. An expert committee of eminent doctors like Sree Chitra Medical Centre founder director M S Valiathan, Regional Cancer Centre founder director M Krishnan Nair and cancer specialist V P Gangadharan must be constituted. A special officer might also be appointed,” said N K Sanil, a volunteer of this movement.
Writer M K Sanu, who is also a part of this campaign, said they would approach the student community to launch agitations.