India’s Manipal Hospital signs contract for Cancer Center in Hulhumale’ Hospital

India’s Manipal Hospital signed the contract with Aasandha and National Social Protection Agency to set up a Cancer Center in Hulhumale’ Hospital, on Thursday morning.

The contract was signed in a ceremony held at Hulhumale’ Hospital by CEO and Managing Director of Manipal Hospital - Dr. Ajay Bakshi, Managing Director of Aasandha – Maumoon Abdul Samad, and CEO of NSPA – Mujthaba Jaleel.

The entirety of the cost of setting up the Cancer Center in Hulhumale’ Hospital is to be borne by Manipal Hospital.

NSPA CEO, Mujthaba said that the Cancer Center would be opened in November.

He said that services at the Cancer Center would be initially provided by professionals from Manipal Hospital while three doctors and six nurses working locally are provided training in cancer treatment.

CEO and MD of Manipal Hospital, Bakshi said that a large number Maldivians travelled to India for cancer treatment, and noted that the Cancer Center in Hulhumale’ Hospital would help bring down the number.

Contract signing ceremony between Manipal Hospital, Aasandha and NSPA for Cancer Center in Hulhumale' Hospital on July 21, 2016. - Sun photo

“Manipal Hospital is one of India’s largest hospitals. I want to note that a large number of Maldivians visit our hospital, Manipal Hospital for cancer treatment. The Cancer center here will bring a stop to it,” said Bakshi.

The ceremony was also attended by Maldivian Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, who said the biggest challenge faced by Maldivian health sector today was the increase in number of cases of non-communicable diseases.

Nazim noted the importance of all heath sector institutions working together to address the challenge.

“I want to note the issue of cancer. Cancer is a common disease both in our community and the wider, international community. And it is on the increase. This is one non-communicable disease that needs great attention,” said Nazim.

He said that MVR 60 million had been spent by the country for cancer treatment so far, this year – with MVR 11 million spent by state for family members or friends who travel abroad with cancer patients for treatment.

Nazim said that MVR 60,000 – 70,000 was appropriated for chemotherapy under Aasandha.