From Our Corresondent
Vijayawada: In a major boost to Andhra Pradesh’s healthcare infrastructure, South Korea-based World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF) announced plans to establish a world-class cancer treatment and research facility in Donakonda, Prakasam district, with an estimated investment of ₹4,260 crore (USD 480 million).
The proposed “Chun Jeong Eun Challa Cancer Centre” will be developed across 25 acres as part of a Smart Medical City Project, in collaboration with Challa Group, Omexa Biologies, Mace, and I Holdings. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project was signed in Vijayawada on Monday, followed by a press briefing attended by representatives from all participating organizations.
Peter Chun, Chairman of the World Smart Cities Forum, said the initiative follows the successful launch of the Chun Jeong Eun Cancer Centre in Chennai. “When we planned to expand our services, it was Challa Group Chairman Dr. Challa Prasad who suggested Andhra Pradesh. We chose Donakonda to support the region’s growth and medical accessibility,” he said, adding that construction would begin immediately after obtaining statutory approvals.
The integrated medical complex will feature 1,500 inpatient beds, a nursing hospital, medical school, oncology and surgical units, a heliport, hotel, residential complex, restaurants, botanical garden, public park, cancer museum, and a health-tech innovation centre. The project is expected to generate 4,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Challa Prasad said, “As a native of Prakasam district, I am proud to bring this advanced cancer care facility to my homeland. Inspired by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s call to contribute to the state’s development, we are planning more projects in Andhra Pradesh.”
Dr. Rajan Garg, Co-founder of Omexa, said the facility would provide cutting-edge cancer diagnosis and treatment services at affordable costs, ensuring access to advanced healthcare for the underprivileged.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Sudhir Puri (Senior Vice President, Omexa), Gary Chopra (Director, Omexa), Joseph Mathew (Representative, Mace), and P. Subbarao (Coordinator, Challa Group).
The project marks one of the largest private healthcare investments in Andhra Pradesh and reinforces Donakonda’s emergence as a new hub for smart, sustainable, and socially driven development.