A super speciality hospital and research institute has been planned to be set up at Odianpet in Pondicherry on an extent of 49 acres by the Jesus and Marie Pondicherry Hospital and Research Institute (JMPHRI)

According to Augustin R Benoit, chairman (JMPHRI), the hospital project would involve an investment of Rs 160 crore. He further maintained that the hospital would offer courses in neuro surgery, orthopaedic and traumotology, paediatrics, radiology and oncology.

He however refrained from mentioning when the construction of the project would begin and its commissioning. "It all depends on how the Pondicherry government responds to our requirement," Augustin added.

He said he and his team of office-bearers of the management committee of the hospital project would meet the health authorities of Pondicherry to bring to focus how much interest the French government and also the administration of Canada and other European countries were showing to come forward to provide flexible grant-cum-loan for health care and other infrastructural development in Pondicherry.