The West Bengal Government has decided to set up a new generation cancer speciality block at the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) soon at a cost of Rs 48 crores.

Everything related to cancer will be available there, CMCH Principal Dr Ashok Kumar Bhadra told a local newspaper. The CMCH authorities aim to set up a regional cancer centre. They had applied for the same to the health department and last week they received the go-ahead.

Dr Nirmal Maji, MLA from Uluberia and secretary of 'Rugi Kalyan (patient welfare) Samiti and a former student of CMCH, helped in facilitating the matter. According to CMCH officials, work for the new cancer block would begin after the demolition of the old block, which is by next week.

The master plan is expected to be implemented within one and half years. The block would have a separate academic section. The medical college is looking to provide high-end equipment and advanced technology for cancer treatment, the principal was quoted as saying.