In Motol, the construction of the Czech Oncology Institute has begun for 4.5 billion CZK

Prague – Construction of the Czech Oncology Institute – Motol Oncology Center started today at the Motol Faculty Hospital in Prague. The project, costing 4.5 billion crowns, is funded by the National Recovery Plan, with over 3.7 billion crowns coming from EU funds. Health Minister Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09) stated today that together with the Masaryk Oncology Institute in Brno, the facility will provide the most specialized care and research.

"It will essentially create a shadow image of the Masaryk Oncology Institute," the minister said. The institute operates as a separate contributory organization under the ministry, while the center in Motol will be part of the faculty hospital there. "I want these two centers to be among the centers of excellence in the European Union as soon as possible," he added, noting that they will then have the opportunity to apply for significant European grants.

In the new building, which must be fully functional by early July 2026 due to European funding rules, there will be state-of-the-art equipment, including two linear accelerators for radiation therapy, a 60-bed oncology ward, 22 outpatient clinics, and a day hospital for administering chemotherapy to up to 84 patients. It should also include a counseling center for healthy lifestyle, exercise and nutrition, smoking cessation, or psychological assistance for patients and families.

Hospital director Miloslav Ludvík admitted that staffing the new facilities will not be easy. Therefore, the hospital is already planning recruitment. "The problem is that the weakest years are graduating now," he added. According to the head of the Oncology Clinic at Motol Hospital, Tomáš Büchler, the center aims to attract the best professionals, including international research teams.

A key advantage over other hospitals is expected to be the connection with a research facility supported by 500 million crowns from the Kellner Family Foundation. Ludvík recalled that next to the current children's oncology building, a building for adult treatment was supposed to be constructed according to the original plans. "Only part of it was built because funding ran out and the care changed," he described.

According to him, the new center is expected to bring a change in care. "We will tailor the care for each patient," Ludvík stated. The environment is also expected to be more pleasant, as patients will hardly notice they are in a hospital and will have a view of greenery during chemotherapy administration.

The minister praised that Motol was prepared for European funding and had approved zoning decisions and building permits. He noted the project at the Royal Vinohrady Faculty Hospital, which was supposed to cost nearly seven billion crowns but did not have a prepared project or land. In June 2021, the initiative was introduced as the Czech Oncology Institute by then-Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO).

According to Válek, the construction of the Prague center will complete the system of organizing care for cancer patients. The rarest tumors and research will be concentrated in the two centers in Prague and Brno, while comprehensive oncology centers (KOC) will care for patients in every region except Central Bohemia. Some care will also be taken over by district hospitals, which will closely cooperate with the KOCs.