Kurnool: Inpatient services are now fully available at the State Cancer Institute on the premises of Kurnool Government General Hospital starting Monday. This hospital, established under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), aims to bridge the healthcare gap in the region after the state’s bifurcation.
Built at an estimated cost of ₹120 crore, the hospital received 60 per cent of funding from the Central government and 40 per cent from the state government. The Tata Institute provided technical support for construction and medical equipment. Linked to Kurnool Medical College, the institute is expected to offer advanced cancer treatment, benefiting economically disadvantaged patients in Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Mahbubnagar districts.
Medical education additional director Dr Venkateswar Rao had visited the facility in January.
Government General Hospital superintendent Dr K. Venkateswarlu said the institute has received high-end medical equipment, with more expected to arrive soon. A linear accelerator worth ₹36 crore and a CT simulator worth ₹7 crore have already been installed. He added such advanced equipment is not available in any other government hospital in the state.
“Currently, emergency cancer treatment is being provided at the Government General Hospital. The linear accelerator requires approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board before it can be used for patient treatment, which is expected soon. Until then, certain tests and services unavailable at the cancer institute will continue at the General Hospital. Cancer surgeries will also be introduced in a phased manner. A state-of-the-art Siemens CT scanning machine will also be available soon, enhancing diagnostic and treatment services for patients,” Dr Venkateswarlu added.
