Kidwai proposes seven new departments

Can a simple blood or urine test detect cancer? Can we cure cancer faster? These are just a few aspects the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology will explore.

A wing dedicated for oncology research is proposed, one among the seven additional departments that the institute has sought permission for from the Medical Council of India.

Having one of the largest cancer registries in the state, Kidwai is now looking at micro-level research. For this, the college has proposed dedicated staff. “We have vast amounts of data. We can conduct molecular studies. With an exclusive department for research, we hope to conduct randomised studies,” said Dr C Ramachandra, director, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. Molecular biology, plastic surgery, critical care, transfusion medicine, bone marrow transplant unit and epidemiology are among the other proposed departments.

Set for a new look

The cancer hospital is set to get a facelift with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike white-topping the premises and installing new streetlights. This is being done at an estimated Rs 35 crore.

“This has been a long-standing demand. Patients complain that the roads are not maintained. Also, there are parts of the premises that are dimly lit. We will light up those areas now,” said the director.

The drains are being redone. A multi-level car parking facility for visitors and patients is in the pipeline .

The hospital currently has 650 beds. Soon, 450 additional beds will be added to the facility, said Dr Ramachandra. An additional 200 beds will be available in the special ward, planned to serve those from economically forward sections.

The hospital is set to go paperless by October with all documents being digitised. Meanwhile, Dr P G Girish, director, department of medical education said the proposal has been sent to the Medical Council of India and not the medical education department.

Approvals will be given based on the availability of staff.