Neurosciences clinic aims for 2008 launch

Kolkata: Kolkata-based National Neurosciences Centre (NNC), a joint venture of Peerless Hospital, BK Roy Research Centre and Bengal Neurosciences Foundation is looking to collaborate with National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) for undertaking research in neuroscience.

NNC in association with NBRC will undertake high-end research in neuroscience for the benefit of patients of neurological disorders, R P Sengupta, chairman of NNC said.

NNC aimed to set up a host of peripheral satellite clinics throughout the state to facilitate treatment of patients living in remote areas.

The work for setting up these satellite clinics will be initiated next year, Sengupta added.

NNC's proposed Institite of Neurosciences at Mullick Bazar in central Kolkata aimed to be operational by 2008.

'The Institute of Neurosciences, a 150-bed hospital, will cost Rs 50 crore. We have already raised 75 per cent of the fund through donations. The hospital, among other things will have a dedicated stroke centre', he said.

Sengupta claimed that NNC needed some special instruments and additional facilities for advanced neurocare.

West Bengal governor, Gopal Krishna Gandhi who was present on the occasion stressed on the need for setting up easy referral centres offering counselling to neurological patients.

'Today, patients need guidance on whether they should go for the various diagnostic tests conducted for neurological disorders. One cannot afford to neglect these tests even if they are expensive', Gandhi said.

Kanti Ganguly, the state minister for Sunderbans development, pointed out that six state-of-the-art multi-speciality hospitals are set to come up at the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass area by 2010.