Bargarh Cancer Hospital Set to Reopen Under PPP Agreement

The cancer hospital in Bargarh, which has remained closed for an extended period, is preparing to resume operations through a public-private partnership (PPP). Local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ashwini Kumar Sarangi announced this development during a health camp focused on anaemia and cancer screening held by the Agragami Yubak Sangha on Sunday.

During the event, Sarangi revealed that the state government has opted to collaborate with a private institution to operate the Bargarh Cancer Hospital. 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.

Expected Timeline for Operations

Should an agreement be finalized between the state government and the private organization in accordance with established guidelines, Sarangi estimates that the hospital will become fully operational within the next four to six months. He highlighted the urgency of this initiative, particularly in light of rising cancer cases in the region.

In a recent meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the health minister, Sarangi, along with representatives from the Forum for Cancer Hospital at Bargarh and the Fighters Group, advocated for the swift activation of the hospital. Following this discussion, a high-level meeting with departmental officials took place, where the Chief Minister expressed significant interest in making the hospital functional.

Facility Preparations and Community Health Concerns

According to Sarangi, the hospital is already equipped with 120 beds and an adequate supply of medicines. He emphasized the need for a direct supply of essential drugs to the Bargarh facility, rather than routing them through the Acharya Harihar Cancer Institute located in Cuttack. The health minister has subsequently approved this request, facilitating improved access to necessary medications.

At the health camp, Sarangi encouraged community members to prioritize their health to mitigate the risk of preventable diseases. Bargarh district has witnessed a troubling increase in cancer cases and associated fatalities. This surge has sparked concerns among local residents, leading to descriptions of the area as a “cancer hub” in public discourse.

The reopening of the Bargarh Cancer Hospital under a PPP framework is a pivotal step toward addressing the healthcare needs of the community. As discussions advance and preparations continue, the local population remains hopeful for improved cancer care and outcomes in the near future.