Rs 50 crore allocated, land identified, but construction still pending
Belagavi – Nearly three years after the announcement of a regional unit of the prestigious Kidwai Cancer Hospital in Belagavi, the project remains stuck on paper. Despite receiving a budgetary allocation of ₹50 crore in the 2022–23 financial year and administrative approvals, no construction activity has taken place so far.
Location Finalised, but No Progress on Ground
Initially proposed to be set up on four acres near the Primary Health Centre in Vadagaon, the location was later shifted to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) premises based on preferences expressed by the hospital authorities. This shift was endorsed by the district administration, and formal administrative approval followed in September 2022.
Political Push Fails to Accelerate Work
MLA Abhay Patil, who represents Belagavi (South), had been instrumental in pushing for the hospital to be set up in his constituency. However, despite his efforts and the project’s sanctioned funds, the proposed unit of the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology has yet to see any actual groundwork begin.
District Minister Promises Action
Acknowledging the prolonged delay, district in-charge minister Satish Jarkiholi stated, “I will check the status of the project and try to start it at the earliest.” His statement offers a glimmer of hope to citizens and cancer patients in the region, who are eagerly awaiting the much-needed facility.
