The foundation stone for a Rs 600 crore charitable state-of-the-art cancer care institute, to be set up by the Tata Trusts, was laid by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The Sri Venkateswara Institute of Cancer Care and Advanced Research (SVICCAR) would come up on a 25-acre site alloted to the Tata Trusts by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which administers the famous Lord Venkateswara hill shrine at nearby Tirumala. Naidu unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone in the presence of Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan Tata after the groundbreaking ceremony.

The TTD and the Tata Trusts had last year signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for setting up SVICCAR. The chief minister said the institute would come up with 376 beds at an investment of Rs.600 crore. Hailing the services rendered to the underprivileged by the Tata Trusts, he said Ratan Tata was one of the most respected persons in the country and was among the first philanthropists to help the poor.

The institute would have facilities like radiation, holistic care and advanced research, he said adding his government was committed to developing the holy city of Tirupati into a best medical hub in the country. Tata said the Tata Trusts was committed to supporting the efforts for cancer care in the country. "Our endeavour is to improve the treatment of cancer, increase the survival rate of the cancer affected and, perhaps, one day we will find a total cure for the disease," he said.

Earlier, Tata offered prayers at the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala on August 31. The centre will strive to provide care to the patients without denying it to those with financial constraints, according to a joint statement issued by the TTD and the Tata Trusts at the time of signing the MoU. "...the Tata Trusts are embarking on another important project a charitable state-of-the-art cancer hospital, which will help patients in Tirupati and outside", Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran had said.