Odisha Directs Speedy Construction of Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Khurda

Bhubaneswar, Sep 13 – Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena today directed concerned departments to work in close coordination and accelerate the construction of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Jatni in Khurda district.

Chairing a review meeting on the project’s progress, the Chief Secretary described the upcoming facility as the first modern cancer hospital in Eastern India. He emphasized the significance of timely execution to ensure that advanced treatment services are made available to cancer patients from Odisha and neighboring states.

The Odisha Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, in 2022 to establish the hospital and research institute. During the meeting, discussions focused on the hospital’s request for additional land to construct wider approach roads and support peripheral infrastructure development.

It was suggested that the Revenue Department, Public Works Department, and Khurda district administration work together to expedite land acquisition and related clearances. Revenue Department Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh informed that the proposed hospital will have 294 beds and urged coordinated action to address key project requirements, including pediatric cancer care, drainage, uninterrupted power supply, and accommodation facilities for patients’ relatives.

Dr. Lingaraj Nayak, Cancer Specialist from Tata Memorial Hospital, along with senior officials from Urban Development, Construction, Power, and other departments, also participated in the discussions. The meeting further highlighted the need for population-based cancer registration, survey mechanisms, treatment infrastructure, and future challenges to ensure comprehensive cancer care in the state.

Chief Secretary Jena reiterated the government’s commitment to creating world-class healthcare infrastructure and urged all departments to work in synergy for the successful completion of the project. Once operational, the hospital is expected to transform cancer treatment and research in the region.