Patna, Bihar – In a groundbreaking step for pediatric healthcare, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday laid the foundation stone of India’s first child cancer hospital, the Mahavir Child Cancer Hospital, in Phulwari Sharif, Patna.
This state-of-the-art facility, spearheaded by the Mahavir Cancer Institute, will provide free cancer treatment to children up to 18 years old. With a planned capacity of 100 beds, the ultramodern six-story hospital is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The initiative was officially launched during a program commemorating the anniversary of the Mahavir Cancer Institute. The event saw the presence of dignitaries including Acharya Kishore Kunal, Secretary of Mahavir Mandir Nyas Samiti; Building Construction Minister Ashok Chaudhary; and Medical Superintendent L.B. Singh, along with religious leaders and senior officials.
In his address, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the efforts of the Mahavir Mandir Trust and the Mahavir Cancer Institute, commending their dedication to advancing healthcare in Bihar. “This hospital will be a boon for children battling cancer and their families. It signifies a major step forward in pediatric cancer care in our country,” he said, extending his best wishes for the project’s successful completion.
Acharya Kishore Kunal underscored the critical need for such a facility, highlighting the rising incidence of cancer among children. “This will be the country’s first cancer hospital exclusively for children. The problem of pediatric cancer is increasing, and many families cannot afford the expensive treatment. This hospital will provide them much-needed relief,” he stated.
The Mahavir Mandir Trust, known for its charitable initiatives, already operates the Mahavir Cancer Institute and Research Centre, a premier cancer treatment facility in Bihar. The new child cancer hospital will focus on providing accessible, specialized care for underprivileged families, aligning with the Trust’s mission of serving the needy.
The upcoming facility is expected to be a game-changer in India’s fight against pediatric cancer, offering hope and cutting-edge treatment to countless children and their families.