President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the KLE Dr. Sampatkumar Shivanagi Cancer Hospital in Belagavi on Friday, underlining the growing need to combat the increasing cancer burden in India. She emphasized the significance of addressing both physical and psychological aspects of cancer treatment and lauded the Ayushman Bharat Scheme for its role in reducing delays between diagnosis and treatment.
The 300-bed facility, built at a cost of ₹300 crore, boasts advanced infrastructure and aims to serve patients from Karnataka and neighboring states, including Maharashtra, Goa, and Telangana.
KLE Society chairman Prabhakar Kore expressed gratitude to U.S.-based physician Dr. Sampatkumar S. Shivanagi and his family for their generous contribution of ₹8 crore. The hospital will focus on early detection, prevention, rehabilitation, palliative care, cancer education, and research.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi commended the KLE Society’s contributions to healthcare and education, emphasizing the critical role of early diagnosis in cancer management. Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil, along with other dignitaries, attended the inauguration.
Established in 1916, the KLE Society has grown into a global institution, operating 310 centers and providing education to over 1.45 lakh students. With over 4,500 hospital beds in its healthcare network, it continues to play a vital role in the nation’s healthcare system.
