Ranchi, Feb. 8: The state got a new health address today.

A 100-bed hospital equipped with modern equipment opened doors at Biru, around 150km from the state capital, in Sadar block of Simdega district.

Health minister Rajendra Singh inaugurated Shanti Bhawan Hospital, which has been built at a cost of Rs 40 crore by Calvary Gospal Ministry, a Christian organisation. Sprawled across 22 acres, the double-storeyed heal hub that took two years to be built is modelled on Christian Medical College of Vellore and promises to provide advanced medical care.

To start with, the six-bed fully air-conditioned outdoor ward has been made operational. Patients can expect premium treatment as for each bed, a separate room has been earmarked.

There is a also host of modern facilities, including CT scan machine, operating theatre, conference room, doctor room, blood laboratory for pathological examination and medicine room. Gradually, other specialised departments, including separate wards for males, females and children and 10 intensive care units, will be opened.

“The hospital is the first-of-its-kind in the district and will provide state-of-the-art facilities to patients. It will become fully operational within a year, making Simdega a sought-after health destination in the state,” local MLA Neyol Tirkey said.

He added that chief minister Hemant Soren was supposed to inaugurate Shanti Bhawan Hospital. But he had to cancel the programme because of the cabinet meeting and sent health minister Singh.

Local residents welcomed the hospital, which is the third biggest healthcare address in the district after the 20-bed Referral Hospital at Thetaitangar and 50-bed Simdega Sadar Hospital.

“At present, we have to run either to Ranchi or Jamshedpur for availing specialised treatment. This hospital will take care of our health needs after it becomes fully operational,” said Anup Kumar, a teacher of Government Middle School, Simdega.