Government of Tamil Nadu Elevates Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Research Institute toa State-of-the-Art “Centre of Excellence”

The Tamil Nadu government has elevated the Dr. MGR Memorial Cancer Research Institute to the status of a “Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre,” marking a significant milestone in medical care in Tamil Nadu.

Established in 1969 in Kanchipuram to honor the memory of Tamil Nadu’s former Chief Minister Dr. C.N. Annadurai, this institute has been instrumental in providing free cancer care, particularly to patients from Tamil Nadu’s northern districts and neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Over the decades, it has played a vital role in cancer treatment.

Currently operating with 290 beds and 230 sanctioned positions, the hospital treats approximately 1,800–2,100 new cancer patients and 4,800–5,400 follow-up patients annually. Daily, it provides radiotherapy for 110–130 patients and surgery for 12–15 patients. In 2023 alone, the hospital catered to 69,721 outpatients, offering services in radiotherapy (12,919 patients), chemotherapy (30,177 patients), pediatric oncology (2,843 patients), surgical oncology (18,655 patients), and palliative care (5,127 patients).

Under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, 5,400 patients have received treatment here, reinforcing the institute’s importance in cancer care. To enhance its capabilities, the government has expanded the institute to a 750-bed facility and reclassified it as a “Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre.” This upgraded center will be built over 6,36,347 square feet (ground floor plus five stories) at a cost of ₹250.46 crore, fully funded by the state government.

The expansion also includes the sanctioning of 394 additional staff positions, including 49 medical officers, 2 medical social workers, 207 nursing staff, 7 administrative personnel, and 129 paramedical staff. The upgraded facility will provide advanced services in hematology, pediatric oncology, gynecologic oncology, national cancer registry, and palliative care, alongside specialized departments like ENT, dental surgery, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and transfusion medicine.

The expanded center aims to reduce geographical disparities in cancer care, improve early diagnosis, and provide cutting-edge research and treatment. It will offer comprehensive care for underprivileged patients, minimizing their expenses by reducing referrals to other hospitals.

Aligned with the state government’s goal to reduce early-stage cancer mortality by one-third by 2030, the institute will address critical aspects such as:

• Reducing geographic disparities in cancer care.
• Promoting innovative research and collaborating with global institutions.
• Enhancing advanced medical research and treatment facilities.

This Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre will serve countless families from Tamil Nadu and beyond, offering round-the-clock, holistic cancer treatment under one roof. Through this initiative, the Tamil Nadu government sets a benchmark in providing accessible and advanced cancer care to all.

Source: Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Chennai-9