JICA-funded super-speciality block of CMCH to be ready by March 2023, Velu

The works of the new super-speciality block at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) will be completed by March 2023 and will be inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, said Public Works Department and Highways E.V. Velu here on Wednesday.

Mr. Velu, who inspected the works of the block along with Minister for Electricity V. Senthilbalaji, said that the structural works have been completed and other works including laying of tiles and electrical works were pending.

The foundation for the six-storeyed block measuring 18,210 sqft was laid in February 2021 and the project is implemented by Tamil Nadu Urban Health Care Project with assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Minister said that at least ₹ 10 crore would be required to improve the road infrastructure and to solve water clogging around CMCH, an issue highlighted by the hospital’s Dean. The requirement will be taken to the attention of the Chief Minister, he said.

On the protest by farmers from six villages in Annur and Mettupalayam opposing the State’s move to set up a State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) industrial park, Mr. Velu said that acquisition of land was essential for works such as road laying and setting up industrial park. “Is the land being acquired for the government? The government merely carries out the work and the beneficiaries are farmers, traders, you and me,” he said.

At a road safety review meeting in the city on Wednesday, Mr. Velu said that such industrial parks are built to provide employment for the youth and graduates.

Mr. Velu said that the State Highways Department is maintaining a total of 2,415 km of roads in Coimbatore district. A total of 244 km of roads were maintained for ₹250 crore in the district in 2021-22.