Karwar: With the help of Tata Institute of Cancer Research (TICS) in Mumbai, the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) is looking forward to construct a cancer hospital at Shiravad village which is 7-km from here.

KIMS has recently chalked out a design for a radiation therapy unit. About a week back, it had written a letter to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) seeking its approval for the design. Once AERB approves the same, the construction work will begin. Concerned over rising cancer cases in Uttara Kannada district, the TICS had advised the KIMS to set up a cancer hospital in the city a couple of years back. For construction of the cancer hospital, the district administration has earmarked around one hectare at Shiravad village.

Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Hospital has agreed to provide advanced machine for cancer treatment. As per the plan, KIMS will be building​ a radiation therapy unit in the first phase and the second phase will have an oncology department.

Sources said, the TICS will provide equipment to run the hospital while Kidwai Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru, has agreed to send doctors and other technicians on deputation.

It is said that the Revenue Department will fund construction of the hospital building. KIMS director Dr Shivanand Doddamani told Express: “People from Uttara Kannada, Belagavi and Raichur districts are forced to go to Tata Cancer Institute in Mumbai and KMC Hospital in Hubballi for treatment. The Tata Institute had stated that it would provide radiation therapy equipment if we set up hospitals in these districts. Now, the state government has shown interest to construct a cancer treatment unit in Karwar.”

“Recently, we wrote a letter to AERB seeking its approval for the radiation therapy centre at Shiravad. Once it gives its nod, we will write to the state government and the National Cancer Prevention Programme seeking funds for the construction work,” he added.