Neurosciences unit looking for funds

Institute of Neurosciences (INS) Kolkata, a joint venture between government of West Bengal, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Foundation of Neuro Sciences, was trying to raise around Rs 15 crore for funding equipment and machinery, but was facing some difficulty in the present economic downturn.

Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting organized by the institute, R P Sengupta, chairman of INS, said, "The project requires Rs 15 crore for equipment required for modern facilities like robotic surgery."

Kiran Bedi, social activist present at the meeting, urged the foundation to approach the state and central government for funds to meet requirements.

The hospital would have 150 beds and was to come onstream by April, 2009. The hospital has been built at an approximate investment of Rs 50 crore.

This hospital would offer specialized facilities like endovascular surgery, functional neuro surgery, pshycho surgery and deep brain stimulation.

Sengupta claimed the hospital would cater to patients from the Kolkata area but also to cater to people from the north eastern states. He promised that 20 per cent of the beds would be free for needy patients.