Bangalore: The Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre (EHIRC), New Delhi, on September 3 announced that it would set up a state-of-the-art Heart Command Centre in the Chattisgarh state capital, Raipur, according to an official press release.

An agreement to this effect was signed on September 3 between the government of Chhatisgarh and Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre in the presence of the Chief Minister, Ajit Jogi and Naresh Trehan, executive director, EHIRC. Slated to be operational by early November, the centre will be the first of its kind in the state.

In line with the state government’s policy to collaborate with the best institutions in the country to improve government hospitals in the state, the Heart Command Centre will be established in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Rajpur at the total cost of Rs 5.5 crore. Work will commence right away for the center to be ready by November 1, 2002 when the state celebrates its second anniversary, the release said.

"We are honoured to be partners in this cause. The Chhattisgarh government’s commitment and sincere desire to provide its people the best of hear care was very inspiring. We will in turn put forth the best in terms of resources and expertise to set up world class center for the citizens of Chhattisgarh," Dr Naresh Trehan said.