Pune, 1st December 2024: The long-standing demand for a dedicated cancer hospital in Pune is closer to realization as B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital have initiated plans to establish a 400-500-bed cancer hospital and research centre on the land currently occupied by Aundh Uro Hospital.
This new facility aims to provide advanced cancer treatment and house an affiliated postgraduate medical college. The proposal suggests that the central government will fund 60% of the project, while the state government’s medical education department will contribute the remaining 40%. If approved, the hospital will eliminate the need for Pune and western Maharashtra residents to travel to Mumbai for cancer treatment, significantly improving access to quality healthcare in the region.
Details of the Proposed Cancer Hospital
- Advanced cancer treatment center
- Affiliated postgraduate medical college
- 400-500 bed capacity
- Patient rehabilitation and physiotherapy centers
- Accommodation for patients’ families
A five-member expert committee formed by the Medical Education Department has finalized the hospital’s plan, which is expected to be submitted to the District Collector next week. The Collector has expressed willingness to allocate 10 acres of land within the 85-acre Aundh Uro Hospital property for the project.
Earlier, there were plans to construct the cancer hospital on a 2.2-acre Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) plot near Sassoon Hospital. However, MSRDC leased this land to a private developer on favorable terms, sparking controversy and delaying the project. Now, the renewed proposal has garnered support, with stakeholders determined to move forward.
Dr. Eknath Pawar, Dean of BJ Medical College, expressed optimism:
Considering the rising number of cancer patients in Pune, a dedicated cancer hospital is essential. We have discussed this with the Medical Education Commissioner and the District Collector, who have both responded positively. A formal proposal will be submitted to the Collector next week.
The new facility is expected to significantly boost cancer care and medical education, making Pune a hub for advanced oncology treatment and research.
