By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 4: The Regional Cancer Centre coming up in the NEIGRIHMS complex is expected to be a breather for an ever-increasing number of cancer patients in Meghalaya.
Cancer treatment entails huge expenditure and people in Meghalaya requiring specialised cancer care have to seek dedicated hospitals elsewhere. But many in the state cannot afford the treatment outside.
NEIGRIHMS Director Nalin Mehta said the implementing agency is expected to hand over the building for the Regional Cancer Centre to the institute by June.
“We are hopeful that there won’t be any major delays. We are also well into the recruitment process and some equipment has already been operationalised,” he said, optimistic about the centre starting to function within three months. A nursing institute is also being constructed on the NEIGRIHMS premises, Mehta said.
Earlier this year, the High Court of Meghalaya expressed concern about cancer care in the state and asked the government to provide better facilities to cancer patients.
Patients are being treated in the cancer wing of the Shillong Hospital but the government is awaiting some more equipment. More patients can be treated after the machines arrive, officials said.
