I dedicate my last years to health: Ratan Tata; inaugurates cancer treatment centres in Assam

Dibrugarh (Assam), Apr 28 (PTI) Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata and PM Narendra Modi today inaugurated seven state-of-the-Art-Cancer-Centres and laid the foundation stone for seven new Cancer centres in Assam.

At the event, Ratan Tata, 84, made a rare speech, saying that he dedicates his "last years to health". "I dedicate my last years to health. Make Assam a state that recognizes & is recognized by all," Ratan Tata said.

Speaking at the inauguration of seven such centres, Tata said with these facilities, Assam will be recognised as a state equipped to provide world-class cancer treatment. It will make treatment accessible to all as it is not a "rich man's disease".

"Today is an important day in the history of Assam. A higher level healthcare facility for cancer treatment which was earlier not available in the state is being brought here. Cancer is not a rich man's disease," he said.

"Assam can now say that even a small state of India has been equipped with world-class cancer treatment facilities," Tata added.

Expressing his gratitude for Ratan Tata's commitment and vision for Assam, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted small clip of Ratan Tata's speech:

Heartfelt gratitude Shri @RNTata2000 ji, Chairman of @tatatrusts, for your genuine concern and vision for the people of Assam that resulted in the landmark achievement in cancer care in the region. pic.twitter.com/VwQoOFQbSr

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 28, 2022

These newly inaugurated seven centres are being developed by Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), a joint venture of the state government and Tata Trusts. Another three hospitals under the network will be opened later this year.

The foundation for the project was laid in June 2018 while a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the state government during the 'Advantage Assam' Global Investment Summit that year, giving shape to it.

Tata said the network of cancer care centres was a culmination of many months of hard work and praised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his foresightedness. He also appreciated the Centre's role in making the treatment centres a reality.

There is a high prevalence of cancer in Assam mainly due to the consumption of smoked meat, tobacco and 'tamul' (areca nuts).