Mizoram Advances Towards New Cancer Care Center With JICA Collaboration

In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday to assess the progress of the proposed Mizoram State Super Speciality Cancer and Research Centre.

Set to be constructed in Zemabawk, Aizawl, the center is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under India's External Aided Project (EAP). Mizoram, which leads the country in cancer incidence rates with 189.7 cases per 100,000 people annually, faces pressing challenges due to a lack of advanced cancer treatment facilities, resulting in costly referrals outside the state.

The ambitious project, estimated at Rs 700 crore, will see Rs 560 crore covered by a JICA loan, formalized in an agreement signed in February 2023. Construction plans include a cutting-edge hospital building, nuclear medicine block, and staff accommodations, complete with modern diagnostic technologies like PET Scans and MRI systems. Officials, including TBC Lalvenchhunga and H. Lalengmawia, discussed criteria for contractor selection, with a follow-up meeting to finalize logistics imminent.

(With inputs from agencies.)