GUWAHATI, June 12 - With the Union Cabinet approving taking over of the Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati, by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and bringing it under the administrative control of the Tata Memorial Centre, a DAE-aided institution, it is expected that the top cancer care facility in the North East will see a lot of upgrading in terms of augmentation of manpower and infrastructure.
The Cabinet decision comes in the wake of the increasing incidence of cancer, limited cancer treatment facilities and the need for hospital support to carry out further research in the north-eastern region.
The approximate non-recurring expenditure for strengthening of the institute is estimated at Rs 150 crore and the annual recurring expenditure is estimated at Rs. 45-50 crore.
�The decision has come as a shot in the arm for BBCI. It will result in immediate augmentation of additional manpower of 166 posts in medical, paramedical and support positions,� Dr AC Kakati, Director BBCI, told The Assam Tribune.
BBCI was established in 1974 with the aim and objective of investigation, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the north-eastern region by a voluntary organisation. The Government of Assam took over the institute with all its assets and liabilities in 1986 and entered into a tripartite agreement with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the North Eastern Council (NEC) for management of the institute.
The institute is currently a 209-bed hospital with an eight-bed ICU.
�Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) under DAE is a premier institution in the field of cancer research and treatment. Our collaboration with it will break new grounds in cancer care in the North East,� Dr Kakati said.
TMC has been extending financial and technical support to the institute since 1989. The Chief Minister of Assam in October 2013 had proposed that DAE take over the institute to develop it as a centre for excellence for cancer treatment, education and research for the entire North East.
