First Lady to lay the foundation stone today:

Modern cancer treatment unit for National Cancer Institute

Nadira Gunatilleke

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa will lay the foundation stone for the Razavi Medical Complex, a modern cancer treatment unit at the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama today.

Health Deputy Minister Lalith Dissanayake addressing a press briefing at the Health Ministry Auditorium yesterday said, on behalf of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena and the government thanked Ahmad Tea Private Limited for the medical complex. Deputy Minister Dissanayake said that Razavi Medical Complexm will be built adjoining to the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama at a cost of Rs. 1450 million. Ahmad Tea Private Limited, London will grant Rs. 900 million and the rest Rs. 550 million to be spent by the Health Ministry. Ahmad Tea Private Limited is a reputed company which exports Ceylon tea to over 70 countries for a period over 25 years.

Cancer Hospital Director Dr. Kanishka Karunarate said that the project will be completed within 22 months and managed by the Health Ministry. Razavi is a Persian word which means 'Upeksha' (in Sinhala).

The number of new cancer patients is on the rise in Sri Lanka. Annually around 25,000 new cancer patients found and 15,000 of them visit the Cancer Institute, Maharagama.

"Daily around 700 cancer patients attend clinics. During my 18 years of service in the current position I experienced the pain of cancer patients and their families. This new complex will relieve their pain" he said. According to the representatives of the Ahmad Tea Private Limited and Razavi Project, the cancer treatment complex consists of eight stored building with 373 beds for adult cancer patients (both medical and surgical), five operating theatres, 12 surgical beds, 12 intensive care unit beds, day chemotherapy unit, indoor and outdoor pharmacies, 19 paying beds, neutropenic ward for children, laundry and sterilization department, consultants' offices, blood transport shooting, general amenities such as consultation rooms, TV rooms and utility rooms and canteens for all floors.