Mizoram to establish super speciality cancer & research centre with JICA funding amid rising cancer rates
Mizoram, facing India's highest cancer incidence, is building a Super Speciality Cancer & Research Centre in Aizawl with JICA funding. The project, estimated at Rs 700 crore, aims to address the urgent need for advanced cancer care within the state, reducing the burden of out-of-state referrals. A loan agreement was signed in February 2023 with repayment starting in 2033.
ET Bureau Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired a high-level meeting to review progress on the proposed Mizoram State Super Speciality Cancer & Research Centre, which will be constructed at Zemabawk, Aizawl, with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Government of India's External Aided Project (EAP). Mizoram has the highest incidence of cancer in India, with an alarming 189.7 new cases per 100,000 population annually, compared to the national average of 98.5. Due to the lack of advanced cancer care facilities within the state, many patients are referred outside Mizoram for treatment, placing a heavy financial burden on the government and families alike. Cancer types most commonly found in India in order of number of cases include Breast, Stomach, Cervix, Lung, and Esophagus. While Mizoram's most prevalent cancers list are—Esophagus, Lung, Stomach, Breast, and Cervix—highlight the urgent need for a dedicated comprehensive cancer care centre within the state. For the Mizoram State Super Speciality Cancer & Research Centre Rs 700 crore is estimated with Rs 560 crore expected to be covered by a JICA loan. The Loan Agreement between the Government of India and JICA was signed in February 2023. The loan carries an interest rate of 1.5% and is scheduled for repayment starting 2033. The planned infrastructure includes, a state-of-the-art cancer hospital building, nuclear medicine block, Staff quarters, advanced medical equipment to be installed.
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