DPR 2.0 offers a high-tech Cochin Cancer Research Centre

KOCHI: Pressure mounted from the public space and also press for proper implementation of projects can have the desired impact. After doubts cast from various quarters regarding the credibility and expertise of PPP firm INKEL in implementing the Cochin Cancer Research Centre (CCRC) project, it has swung into action by roping in the service of experts from CCRC and RCC. The result: A modified and exhaustive project. Initially, Union government-owned Hospital Service Consultancy Corporation (HSCC) prepared the detailed project report (DPR) of CCRC, and the new government entrusted it with INKEL. After criticisms, INKEL made a vastly improved DPR adding a lot of departments and facilities. 

The credit for the same goes to district collector Muhammed Y. Safirulla, the special officer, and CCRC medical superintendent Dr P. G. Balagopal. Now the onus is on them and the director of CCRC to be appointed to see to it that it is implemented in letter and spirit. There will be four very advanced LINAC machines in place of the previous proposal of two, and departments like pediatric oncology and community oncology will be added.  Telemedicine is another addition apart from pneumatic tube system and yoga and integrated medicine. The previous proposal lacked divisions like bulk drug and general store, mortuary, departments and classrooms, library, cancer registry and MRD and data centre, which are part of the new DPR.

Nuclear medicine and radiation oncology figures in both while the radio diagnosis department has been beefed up with more number of machines in new DPR. XRay (from previous 1 to 2), MRI (from 1 to 2), CT scan (1 to 2) ultrasound (2 to 3) have been added. Other fresh introductions are mammography (2), fluoroscopy (1) and interventional radiology (1). ICU beds have gone up from 55 to 67, ward beds from 128 to 237, pay-ward beds from none to 26, operation theatres from 4 to 8, pharmacy from nil to 1, OP rooms from 24 to 70, daycare beds from 24 to 57 and daycare chemo beds from 40 to 51.  Facilities like mini OT, pharmacy, endoscopy and colonoscopy, lab and blood bank remains the same. The project outlay has also gone up from the previous Rs 340 crore to Rs 395 crore, and the built-up area almost doubles from 2.8 lakh sq ft to 4.8 lakh sq ft.