The Central government has allotted Rs. 22,300 crore for the health department in its budget for the year 2009-2010 , said G. K. Vasan, Union Shipping Minister, said here on Saturday.
“This amount is 12 per cent more than the amount allotted for health previous year,” Mr. Vasan said .
He inaugurated a cancer hospital here constructed by the Jeeva Centenary Trust in memory of Jeevanandam, late Communist leader.
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He appreciated the trust for establishing a hospital in memory of Jeeva in his centenary year and for planning to offer multi-disciplinary services to the cancer-affected patients.
Mr. Vasan said the hospital is equipped with an effective radio therapy unit . R.Nallakannu, Central Committee member of the Communist Party of India (CPI) handed over a cheque for Rs. 2 lakh to the trust on behalf of Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association.
A. K. S. Vijayan, Nagapattinam MP, said Jeeva was known for his simplicity and honesty. Tamil scholar Sivakama Sundari said the hospital was a fitting tribute to the leader.
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V. Jeevanandam, Chairman of the Trust, said the hospital aimed at providing cost-effective treatment to cancer patients. One hundred and thirty doctors have become members of the trust. Surgery, chemotherapy, radio therapy and drug therapy will be provided to the patients at a cost ranging from Rs. 6,000 to 15,000 . The service rendered by the trust hospital in Erode was appreciated by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Besides , a team of doctors will visit villages to create awareness of cancer and its early detection , Dr. Jeevanandam said.
V. Varadarajan, former president of the Indian Medical Association; N. R. Rangarajan, Pattukottai MLA; Jeeva Manikumar, Deputy Director, Public Relations department and son of late Jeeva; S. Venkateswaran, Assistant General Manager, State Bank of India, Tiruchi region, participated in the function.