Patna: On Thursday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone for Mahavir Child Cancer Hospital, the country’s first 100-bedded pediatric cancer facility, located in Phulwari Sharif town, Patna.
This ambitious project, led by the Mahavir Cancer Institute, which already operates two cancer hospitals, aims to provide free cancer treatment to children up to 18 years old. The hospital will have a modern, six-storey design and is expected to be completed in 18 months.
The new facility will cater specifically to children battling cancer, offering crucial services to underprivileged families who might otherwise be unable to afford such specialized treatment.
The foundation stone ceremony took place during an event marking the anniversary of the Mahavir Cancer Institute. Key figures including Acharya Kishore Kunal, Secretary of Mahavir Mandir Nyas Samiti, Building Construction Minister Ashok Chaudhary, and Medical Superintendent L.B. Singh attended the occasion.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his gratitude to the Mahavir Mandir Trust and the administrators of Mahavir Cancer Institute for their ongoing contributions to healthcare in the region. He wished for the hospital’s successful completion, emphasizing its importance for children in need of cancer treatment.
Acharya Kishore Kunal highlighted the significance of the project, noting, “This will be the country’s first cancer hospital for children. The increasing incidence of cancer among children is alarming, and this hospital will provide relief to families unable to afford expensive treatments.”
The Mahavir Mandir Trust, which also runs the Mahavir Cancer Institute and Research Centre in Bihar, is known for its charitable healthcare initiatives, and this new hospital represents a significant step forward in addressing pediatric cancer care in India.
