The association -- which had recently funded for the Cobalt cancer treatment unit at the hospital -- after deciding to have a full-fledged cancer hospital at the hospital last year had convened a meeting of North American chapter earlier this month at New York in which over 600 members participated.

According to the press note, following a series of meetings with Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel and Health Minister Ashok Bhatt, it was decided to set up a cancer hospital with the help of State government. While a large number of non-resident Gujarati Indians had already donated a substantial amount for the purpose, some amount was to be raised from Gujarat, the press note added.

Noted radio artiste Amin Sayani compered the association meeting, in New York, in which a Gujarati play by Rajnikant Shah was also staged. Appreciation plaques were awarded to H R Shah and K J Shah for their philanthropic efforts towards the upgradation of SSG Hospital, the press note added.