Assam govt plans to set up cancer unit with Tatas, HUL

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the government plans to open a cancer institute at Chabua in collaboration with Tata group and Hindustan Unilever under public-private-partnership model.
The proposed centre will be set up along with the state's second cleft care unit at the same location.
"We are planning to have a cancer institute at Chabua. We have spoken to the Tatas to set up this under PPP model and they have also shown interest," Gogoi said at a press conference here.
Some other private players like HUL will also be a part of this initiative, but the Tata Group will have the major share, he added.

"The Tata group plans to extend their Kolkata centre and wants to set up a branch in Assam. So we are thinking to have them as our partner," Gogoi said.
Replying to a question over the time it shall take for functioning of the centre, Gogoi said the cleft unit will be operationalised within the next 6-8 months, but the cancer unit will take some time.

Talking about the cleft removal initiative in association with NGO Operation Smile, the Chief Minister said the Guwahati centre has operated upon over 10,000 children, which is the highest in the world.
The programme is being carried out in the state in partnership of corporates, government and NGOs, he added.

On Aamir Khan's recent visit, Gogoi said, "He liked the beauty of the state very much after he toured many interior villages. He was very happy to be here. In a way, he has become the ambassador of Assam".
He, however, said the government does not have any plans to rope in Khan as the state's official brand ambassador.