Infosys to donate Rs. 80 cr. to cancer institute

Move marks one of the biggest philanthropic contributions

In one of the biggest philanthropic contributions to the public health sector in Karnataka, the Infosys Foundation is all set to donate Rs. 80 crore for construction of a new dharmashala (patients ambulatory home) and other development works in the State-run Kidwai Cancer Institute (KCI), Bengaluru.

Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty agreed to donate the funds for construction of a ground plus five-storeyed dharmashala building and renovation of the existing dharmashala facility on the KCI premises. The funds will also to be utilised for establishment of an operation theatre, and purchase of new equipment, KCI director K.B. Linge Gowda told The Hindu .
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will lay the foundation stone for the dharmashala in the presence of Ms. Murty.

The foundation will also contribute Rs. 6 crore for construction of a dharmashala at the institute’s satellite centre in Kalaburagi, which has been providing diagnostic and radiotherapy treatment. The foundation stone for the building will be laid on May 28.

“KCI needs more donations from philanthropists for catering to the needs of increasing number of patients every day,” Mr. Linge Gowda said. Founded on June 26, 1973, KCI, named after Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, India’s first Minister for Communications in the Jawaharlal Nehru Cabinet and who donated 20 acres to the hospital, has been providing treatment to nearly 18,000 new patients and three lakh follow-up cases every year.

KCI needs more donations from philanthropists to cater to the needs of increasing number of patients