Cochin Cancer Research Center will become a center of excellence, says Chief Minister VD Satheesan
Cochin Cancer Research Centre. | Photo credit: file photo
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan said the government will provide all support to develop the Cochin Cancer Research Center into an excellent treatment and research institution. He was speaking at the launch of the institution’s tenth anniversary celebrations.
A comprehensive development plan for the next five years should be prepared and implemented in phases, he said. He also suggested formulating a roadmap detailing goals to be achieved and activities to be undertaken each year.
The Chief Minister noted that public sector institutions play a key role in making cancer treatment available at an affordable cost to common people. “Given the increasing number of cancer patients in Kerala, comprehensive research is required to identify the causes behind the under-reporting of the disease.” The emphasis should be on disease prevention and early diagnosis along with treatment,” he said.
He said the center should develop into an institution that excels not only as a top treatment center but also in the field of research. “High costs charged in the private sector for cancer treatment and diagnostic tests lead to financial burden on families. In view of this situation, the government is seriously considering setting up facilities in the public sector where tests can be conducted at lower rates,” he added.
The possibility of providing free medical tests to people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds will also be explored. The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of making available high-quality and effective generic drugs as alternatives to expensive drugs.
Health care systems in the public sector must be strengthened to avoid situations where families are forced to mortgage their houses and land to pay for cancer treatment. According to him, the cost of medical treatment should not destroy the financial stability of the family.
The Chief Minister also announced that the remaining amount of ₹ 5.25 crore has been sanctioned for the development of the Cochin Cancer Research Centre. The event held at Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort was attended by Vypeen MLA Tony Chammany, Kalamassery Municipal Chairman Jamal Manakkadan among others.
Published – 01 Nov 2026 07:00 IST