Bhubaneswar, August 19:The Odisha government will provide additional funds from its own budget for the establishment of the proposed Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Jatani, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said.

The policy decision has been taken by the state government to ensure the timely development of the cancer care facility, which is being established under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, on the lines of the renowned Tata Memorial Centre.

The hospital was initially planned with a capacity of 200 beds. However, the proposed capacity was later increased to 385 beds, resulting in a corresponding rise in the estimated construction cost.

​​​​​​​The Tata Steel Foundation is also extending financial assistance for the project. However, the Chief Minister has decided that any additional funding required for the expanded project will be borne by the Odisha government. The additional funds will support the increased bed capacity as well as other essential infrastructure and medical equipment.

The proposed facility is expected to provide major relief to cancer patients from Odisha, many of whom currently travel to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai for treatment. Once operational, the Jatani-based hospital is also expected to serve patients from across eastern India.

Considering the wider public interest and the need to strengthen cancer care infrastructure in the region, the Chief Minister has directed the state government to meet the additional financial requirements of the project.