The MNJ Cancer Hospital in the city is the most up-to-date issue to face bifurcation blues.
Regarded as one of the oldest of the 30 regional cancer centres (RCC) in India, the 250-bed strength hospital is stretching its meager resources to serve cancer patients in the undivided state and the border districts of neighboring states.
However, the Telangana Government Doctors Association (TGDA) wants the facility solely for the needs of patients from the T region.
A representation on this issue was given by TGDA to the governor through his advisors.
They have asked for a hospital in Seemandhra to be declared as the RCC of residual AP on a war footing with the intention that patients need not travel all the way to Hyderabad for the prolonged treatment.
“Cancer treatment is normally for two years. We are demanding that the government designate one of the Seemandhra hospitals as regional cancer centre so that MNJ will not be put to hardship,” said Dr C Sairam, vice president of TGDA He further said that no two states are sharing a regional cancer centre. “We have 250 beds but at any given time there are 350 patients.
About 100 inpatients are without beds. Patients should not be made to suffer and should get adequate drugs, food and bed,” he said.
Whereas, doctors from Seemandhra regret that the region does not have medical and surgical oncologists and the latest equipment, the TGDA has clarified that it doesn’t mind sharing the facilities until the residual AP develops its own infrastructure. Simultaneously, it insisted there should be no delay in taking up the works.
Dr Kannan, director of MNJ Hospital said, “The institution has staff from Seemandhra and Telangana regions. The services will continue with the same intensity. But ultimately, the hospital will come under Telangana state,”