GUWAHATI, Feb 14: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) in Ri-Bhoi and Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) in Silchar have joined hands to work on cancer research, education and awareness.
In this regard, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Silchar on Monday by CCHRC director and Padma Shri oncologist Ravi Kannan, and USTM vice-chancellor Prof G.D. Sharma, in the presence of other dignitaries.
After exchanging copies of the MoUs, CCHRC director Kannan said both institutions should work in collaboration to set up an advanced cancer research centre at USTM to carry out research in cancer-related diseases, especially from the north-eastern region, which has the highest incidence of cancer cases.
“We will extend facilities to a limited number of B.Sc and M.Sc students of USTM for internship and short duration summer/winter training programmes at CCHRC under the relevant guidelines. We will also provide necessary facilities to the students and faculty of USTM to conduct various academic activities,” he said.
USTM vice-chancellor Sharma said that both the institutions would collaborate to start a joint PhD Programme in cancer and biomedical research.
USTM chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, speaking on the occasiony, said that “CCHRC is a comprehensive cancer care facility where nearly 80 percent of the patients are daily wage workers, agriculture and tea garden labourers and nearly 75 percent are treated for free or at subsidised charges.”
“From now on, CCHRC will be an authorised centre for research activities at USTM and we will extend academic support and offer fellowships to conduct research,” the USTM chancellor said.
He further said joint research projects would be submitted under joint supervision to the concerned government departments/agencies for funding so that cutting-edge research could be pursued, utilising the expertise of both the institutes.
“The CCHRC will design courses on Cancer Biology for M.Sc and for B.Sc students and USTM shall start the course from the next academic session,” the USTM chancellor informed.