Visakhapatnam: In a major boost to cancer care infrastructure in eastern India, ICICI Bank and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) have laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art cancer care block at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) in Visakhapatnam.
With a commitment of over ₹550 crore, the initiative forms a key part of the bank’s expanded ₹1,800 crore partnership with TMC.
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The new eight-storey facility – ICICI Foundation Block for Child and Blood Cancer – will cover nearly 3.9 lakh sq. ft. and be one of the largest cancer treatment hubs in eastern India dedicated to pediatric and hematolymphoid cancers.
Once operational by 2027 (subject to approvals), it will add 215 beds, significantly expanding Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital’s capacity to treat patients in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states.
Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital: Enhancing Specialized Cancer Care
Currently, HBCHRC Visakhapatnam treats over 6,200 patients annually. With the new block, capacity will increase by an additional 3,000 patients per year. The facility will include:
- 14 Bone Marrow Transplant rooms, 14 ICUs, and 5 Operating Theatres
- Advanced diagnostic tools including 3 LINACs, MRI, and CVT-PET scanners
- Cutting-edge immunotherapies, including CAR-T cell therapy
- Dedicated research laboratories and planning centers for clinical collaboration and training
Strengthening a Nationwide Cancer Network
This project is part of ICICI Bank’s larger ₹1,800 crore commitment to TMC, covering new blocks in Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai, and New Chandigarh – collectively spanning 10.7 lakh sq. ft. and housing 19 LINACs and 555 beds.
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“This facility at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is among the largest in India’s eastern corridor for child and blood cancer. It reflects our commitment to building critical healthcare infrastructure for those in need,” said Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Chairman, ICICI Bank.
Dr Umesh Mahantshetty, Director of HBCHRC Visakhapatnam, added, “This transformative support from ICICI Foundation enables us to scale cancer care and research for pediatric and hematolymphoid cancers in this region.”
Dr Girish Chinnaswamy, Head of Pediatric Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, emphasized the value of expanding support services such as bone marrow transplants, diagnostics, and rehabilitation to address the rising incidence of such cancers in eastern India.
With this strategic investment in the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Visakhapatnam is poised to emerge as a leading center for advanced oncology care and research in the country.
