Bargarh Cancer Hospital Set to Reopen Through PPP Model

The long-closed Bargarh Cancer Hospital is preparing to resume operations under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, according to local MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi. This announcement was made during a health camp focused on anaemia and cancer screenings, organized by the Agragami Yubak Sangha, on March 10, 2024.

During the event, Sarangi shared that the state government has initiated steps to collaborate with a private institution to bring the hospital back to full functionality. A team from a Hyderabad-based organization visited the facility on the same day, engaging in a 45-minute discussion with Sarangi before inspecting the hospital premises.

“If an agreement is reached between the state government and the organization as per the prescribed guidelines, the hospital is expected to become fully operational within four to six months,” Sarangi stated. This development follows a recent meeting where Sarangi, along with representatives from the Forum for Cancer Hospital at Bargarh and the Fighters Group, met with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the health minister. They advocated for the hospital’s activation, which reportedly garnered significant interest from the Chief Minister during a high-level discussion with departmental officials.

In addition to the operational plans, Sarangi highlighted that the hospital has already received 120 beds and an adequate supply of medicines. He noted that the forum had made a request for a direct supply of essential drugs to the Bargarh facility, circumventing the need to route them through the Acharya Harihar Cancer Institute in Cuttack. The health minister has approved this request, which is expected to facilitate better healthcare delivery.

At the health camp, Sarangi urged attendees to prioritize their health to prevent avoidable diseases. The Bargarh district is currently facing a troubling increase in cancer cases and fatalities, prompting growing concern among local residents. Public discourse has increasingly referred to the district as a “cancer hub,” reflecting the urgent need for enhanced medical services in the area.

The reopening of the Bargarh Cancer Hospital under a PPP model represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access for the local population. Stakeholders are optimistic that this initiative will not only address the rising incidence of cancer in the region but also restore a vital healthcare resource to the community.