Cancer Institute Inaugurated at AIMS

31 January 2004 — Kochi, Kerala

The Cancer Institute was inaugurated by Shri. A.K. Antony, Chief Minister of Kerala, at the Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Kochi. This much anticipated institute will be equipped with the latest and most sophisticated technologies.

The inaugural lamp was first lit by Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri. A.K. Antony, who then passed the flame on to Padmabhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission. In his speech, Dr. Kakodkar said, "I have had the chance to see all of India's world-class institutions, with their world-class professionals and technologies. However, this institution is unique, not only in terms of all around excellence, but also because of the all important human and spiritual touch it offers."

In his speech towards the end of the function, Shri. Ramamuoorthy, Kerala's Health Secretary stated, "On behalf of the state government's Dept. of Health and Family Welfare, I assure you all support in all the years to come."

The head of the AIMS Cancer Institute, Dr. M. Krishna Nair, who is the former director of the renowned Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, stated that cancer is a disease that primarily affects the elderly. "The only way to stop this trend", he said, "is through education." He further added, "Cancer is a disease in which treatment does not always insure a cure. Hence, whenever prevention is possible it should be done."