12 OT theatres, AI care: Pinarayi Vijayan to open new cancer centre in Kalamassery tomorrow

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the new state-of-the-art building of the Cochin Cancer Research Centre (CCRC) at Kalamassery on Monday at 3 pm, officials said. Health Minister Veena George and Industries Minister P. Rajeev will also attend the event.

Built at a cost of ₹449 crore, including advanced medical equipment, the new facility is expected to strengthen cancer treatment and research in Kerala. Health Minister Veena George said the centre marks a major leap forward in providing high-quality, affordable cancer care to patients across the state.

Established by the Kerala government, the Cochin Cancer Research Centre is spread across 12.63 acres at the Kalamassery Medical College campus and features a nine-storey building with a total built-up area of 6.3 lakh square feet. The hospital includes 12 fully equipped operation theatres designed for complex procedures, with one theatre reserved for future robotic surgeries.

The facility is equipped with advanced scanning systems, modern radiation therapy units, and artificial intelligence-based diagnostic tools. It also has 16 lifts and parking space for over 550 vehicles, ensuring better access and patient convenience.

A dedicated 10,000-square-foot research wing has been set up to support cancer research and innovation, making the centre not just a treatment hub but also a key institution for medical advancement in oncology.

Notably, the Cochin Cancer Research Centre is the first hospital building in Kerala to receive EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification. The hospital meets its entire power needs through solar energy and is already 25 per cent carbon-free, in line with Kerala’s goal of becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2050.

Officials said the new cancer centre is expected to bring world-class oncology care closer to home for thousands of patients in Kerala and neighbouring states.