Chennai: The ₹53-crore centre for haemato-oncology — cancers of blood, bone marrow and the lymphatic system — and transplantation at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children at Egmore has started functioning four months after its inauguration was delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct.
This is the state’s first dedicated building for haemato-oncology, which combines haematology, a branch of medicine which focuses on blood-related disorders, and oncology, which focuses on treatment of cancer. The department saw an average of 1,800 admissions a month for day care and blood-related disorders at its previous location in the old block. “The department will be able to function much better in this dedicated facility,” says Dr T Sivaraman, head of the department. “Not everyone can afford private hospitals, whereas our hospitals offer care free of cost,” he said.
The centre was inaugurated in Feb by then deputy chief minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin. “There was some pending work and we could not process tenders due to the Model Code of Conduct. We are still waiting for equipment. But instead of putting the entire project on hold, we moved the day care unit from the old building to the first floor of the new building. We will occupy the remaining floors once they are ready,” said Sivaraman, adding that a govt order for additional manpower is expected. Now, the day care unit on the first floor is used by nearly 100 children who come for chemotherapy.
With a built-up area of 92,397sqft, the centre has 143 beds, 14 blood marrow transplant suites, a cellular lab and three operation theatres — one for bone marrow transplant and two for organ transplants. Two floors are dedicated to bone marrow transplants and two floors for haematology wards. The ground floor will house the reception and a small play area for children, while the topmost floor will be equipped with operation theatres.
Director of ICH S Madhivanan said, “Since 2021, more than 100 bone marrow transplants have been completed by govt hospitals in the city, out of which more than 25 paediatric surgeries have been performed at ICH,” adding that the new centre will further strengthen the capacity and urged the public to make use of the facilities.
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