Baghel performs bhoomi puja for sickle cell institute

Raipur: Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday performed the ‘bhoomi puja’ ceremony for the Center of Excellence of the Sickle Cell Institute at Devendra Nagar in Raipur.

During the event, health minister TS Singhdeo said that the Sickle Cell Institute in Raipur is being upgraded as a centre of excellence on a 2.96-acre land. The construction, costing Rs 48 crores, will provide modern facilities to cater to the evolving needs of patients. The institute will feature a 100-bed capacity with emergency medicine, operation theatres (OT), intensive care units (ICU), outpatient departments (OPD), male and female wards, and a children's ward. Additionally, a research lab building will be established to facilitate genetic-level research related to the treatment of sickle cell disease.

Furthermore, the institute will include an auditorium with a capacity of 250 persons and a recreational block to entertain children with sickle cell disease. A canteen will be available to provide food for the relatives accompanying patients from distant locations. Moreover, a training block will be constructed, equipped with training centres, classrooms, and accommodation for staff members , according to a health release.