Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack

This Institute of Cancer is governed by a Governing Body under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Minister, Health & Family Welfare, Odisha as per the rules and regulations of the Government of Odisha and its own Bye-laws. There is an Executive Committee chaired by the Secretary to Govt. of Odisha, Department of Health & FW to supervise the affairs of the society, issue directions and empower the Director as they deem proper to attain the over all objectives subject to the guidelines issued by the Governing Body. Besides, various Sub-committees are constituted as per the approval of the Governing Body.

The Tumour board of this institute is being held everyday just after the OPD-hour. Each cancer case is discussed in the board and treatment protocol is decided. A Medical Referral Committee consisting of the tumour board and two other members like the Superintendent and the HoD, Dept. of Surgery, SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack decide about the outside state referral of the cancer cases. Many poor patients have been benefitted by way of getting relief from different sources such as Chief Minister's Relief Fund, Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, recently introduced Health Minister’s cancer patient fund and RAN scheme of the Govt.of India etc. Poor patients, BPL card holders and their families are treated free of cost.

The post-graduate course leading to MD (Radiotherapy) was continuing here since 1973, the 1st batch of which had successfully completed the course in 1975. There is a Library for the PG- students and the staff of this centre with about 260 books & 150 journals under the charge of a senior medical officer of this Institute. PG-Seminar and Symposia are being held at regular intervals. The doctors of this institute are being updated in their respective field of modern science & technology by attending symposia, Seminars, Workshops and conferences at national and international levels.

In early fifties, the combined Radiology department of SCB Medical College, Cuttack started treating cancer using deep X-ray therapy and radium application. In 1962, a full fledged Radiotherapy department with 100 beds was started. Thereafter in 1967, it was designated as the Cancer Wing of SCB Medical College, Cuttack and a Theratron-Jr telecobalt unit was installed under the Colombo-plan. During 1971-73 another telecobalt unit Eldorado-6 was added to the treatment armamentarium.

On the recommendation of the WAHI committee, the status of the Cancer Wing was elevated to the level of a Regional Cancer Centre for Research and Treatment in 1983 with a view to develop it into an integrated complex providing for research, investigations, early detection and treatment & prevention of cancer. On 24th April 1984, this Regional Cancer Centre was declared as an autonomous institution and was named Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack, after the great dedicated social worker Acharya Harihara, a disciple of Acharya Vinoba Bhabe, founder of the Bhudan movement.

Now, this hospital forms an important component for treatment of cancer in the eastern part of India covering the whole state of Orissa and its neighboring states like Andhrapradesh, Chhatisgarh, West Bengal, Bihar and Jhadakhand.