CM Pinarayi Vijayan launches LINAC at general hospital

KOCHI: Ernakulam Government General Hospital is an example of how professional can a government hospital be, said chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Laying the foundation stone for the new super-speciality block and 11-KV substation and inaugurating the modern linear accelerator system for cancer treatment (LINAC) at the hospital on Thursday, Mr Vijayan said it's because of the concerted effort and commitment of its staff that such most modern equipment like LINAC could be installed.

"Specialty and super-speciality facilities are being set up at taluk and district hospitals across the state.  The KIIFB has provided Rs 76 crore for the construction of cancer block and super-speciality block as the hospital authorities could complete the technical and preparatory procedure in a fast and accurate manner," the chief minister said. While delivering her presidential address, health minister K.K. Shylaja said the government could bring comprehensive development in the healthcare sector, from PHCs to taluk, district and medical college hospitals. 

"Eight district hospitals have cath labs now. Cancer treatment facilities, like a mini Regional Cancer Centre, are being introduced in all medical colleges," she said. Mayor Soumini Jain while addressing the gathering assured that Kochi Corporation was ready to surrender its land for the development of the General Hospital if the state government gives alternative land. "Since the corporation office will be shifted to the new headquarters at Marine Drive, the land at the existing office premises can be used for the hospital development," she said. K.V. Thomas MP, MLAs Hibi Eden, John Fernandez, S. Sarma, GCDA chairman C.N. Mohanan, and senior health officials also attended.