HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd (HCG), south Asia's largest cancer care network, has slated a Rs 50 crore funding to enter the eastern states through its unique hub and spoke cancer care network model. Plans to foray into Bangladesh through partnership with local hospital groups are also being worked out.

In addition, HCG is also looking at various options including green field projects, merger & acquisition and franchising route to extend its reach across tier I & II cities in the eastern region. It has earmarked around Rs 50 crore to fuel its geographical expansion plan and equip these centres with state-of-the-art-equipment including Image Guided Radiation Therapy [IGRT] equipment with CT-on-RAILS [Artiste], linear accelerators and digital mammography, for comprehensive cancer care.

Dr B S Ajai Kumar, chairman & CEO said, "HCG, our novel Hub and Spoke model makes cancer treatment accessible to all segments of the society. Foraying into eastern region by setting up a string of dedicated oncology centres would revolutionize the way cancer care is provided in this region."

According to him HCG is keen to make Kolkata its eastern regional hub with its Centre of Excellence located here. "We are in advanced stage of negotiations with potential partners and would ink an agreement very soon. The care major has identified partners in Siliguri and Guwahati and after due diligence would appoint these entities as dedicated franchise partners," he said.

The company would foray into Bangladesh through strategic alliance with a local hospital group. The alliance would enable HCG to offer comprehensive oncology services its local partners' patients in Bangladesh and also bring them to India for providing high end oncology treatment at its Centre of Excellence in India. All oncology related services at Bangladesh would be offered under the HCG brand, he added.

HCG has recently brought to India the world's first whole body robotic radiosurgery system - CyberKnife. It will offer this facility at its headquarters at Bangalore, and has special packages for the people of West Bengal who wish to avail the most advanced radiation therapy available in the world today.

Dr Somorat Bhattacharjee, head-Medical Services, HCG Group, said, "We are keen to penetrate the eastern region and provide quality ethical treatment at an affordable cost."

Besides expanding geographically, HCG would strive to install state-of-the-art equipment at these centres that would facilitate patients to get specialized treatment under the supervision of highly qualified & experienced doctors.