Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today envisioned the state as the best cancer treatment destination not only in the country but even across the globe with the upcoming of Rs 450 crore super specialty Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC).
Addressing a public gathering here on the unveiling of foundation plaque for the state-of-the art HBCHRC by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in the newly developed Medicity here, the Chief Minister said that the state government has already declared a war against the menace of Cancer with an objective to eliminate it with all out efforts to ensure world class best cancer treatment and diagnostic facilities to the patients inflicted with this deadly disease at affordable rates. Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for taking personal interest in expeditiously clearing the project, the Chief Minister said that this ultra modern cancer project would synergize the state government’s efforts to upgrade the cancer treatment facilities in Punjab especially with the setting up of advanced cancer treatment centers in Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot at a cost of Rs 300 crore besides 100-bedded cancer hospital in Bathinda under the auspices of Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai. He said that the state government had already created a dedicated fund of Rs 300 crore to enable the cash patients for treatment upto Rs 1.50 lakh. Mr. Badal also announced that from the January 1, 2014 the state government would launch a cashless treatment scheme to provide the best cancer care facilities to the patients in 16 empanelled hospitals.
The Chief Minister envisaged fulsome support and cooperation from the Prime Minister to help the state in its crusade to intensify its efforts against cancer and urged him to also give nod for the second phase of HBCHRC to be completed at a cost of Rs 200 crore. Mr. Badal lauded the Prime Minister being a ‘son of the soil’ for giving special projects to the state especially in the Healthcare and Education sector. He said that the Government of India (GoI) has rated Punjab has excellent in Health sector and adjudged first in the education.Reiterating his firm commitment to ensure overall development and prosperity of Punjab, the Chief Minister categorically said that the overall growth and progress of the state was the foremost agenda of his government. Mr. Badal unequivocally said that he never hesitated to take support of the opposition parties for this noble cause and to corroborate his stand, the Chief Minister apprised Dr. Singh that he called on the latter along with leader of opposition in Vidhan Sabha Mr. Sunil Jakhar to flag up the issue of water logging in the southern Punjab and later led a joint delegation to the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India (PCI) Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia for seeking a special package to combat this menace efficaciously.
The Chief Minister also expressed special thanks to Director TMC Dr RA Badwe for providing valuable support to the state government in its pursuit to give the best cancer treatment in the country. He also complimented the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), GoI for their keen interest and support to this project. On the occasion the Chief Minister honored Dr Manmohan Singh with a sword, shawl and a replica of Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil and Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani also shared the dais.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP from Anandpur Sahib Mr. Ravneet Singh Bittu welcomed the Prime Minister. Director TMC Dr Badwe conducted the proceedings of the stage and Secretary DAE Mr. RK Sinha proposed a vote of thanks. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar. The function was also attended by several MLAs, MPs and other dignitaries from different walks of life