Guwahati: Health minister of Mizoram Dr. R. Lalthangliana said on Tuesday that the Japanese government and the Center had signed a loan deal for the development of a Super-Speciality Cancer Hospital and Research Center there.
The loan agreement was signed on Monday at the Ministry of Finance’s headquarters in New Delhi, the minister informed the parliament. Moreover, representatives from Mizoram were also present. According to him, the projects worth Rs. 700 crore would be built in Zemabawk, an area northeast of Aizawl.
The health minister responded to a question from Lawmawma Tochhawng, a member of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) by stating that the agreement was signed by Saito Mitsunori, chief representative of JICA on behalf of the Japanese government and Rajat Kumar Mishra, additional secretary, department of economic affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Center.
Lalthangliana claims that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which will provide Rs. 560 crore or 80% of the project’s cost, will cover the remaining 20% (Rs. 140 crore) of the project’s expenses. He stated that the debt repayment duration is 40 years. The projected Mizoram State Super-Speciality Cancer Hospital and Research Institute is expected to be finished in six years, according to the health minister.
According to him, when the project is finished, it will be among the greatest cancer hospitals and research facilities in the nation. Lalthangliana, who expressed satisfaction over the agreement, noted that the proposed project is the largest single initiative the state health department has ever done.