HOUSTAN: An Indian-American couple has donated USD one million for the construction of a cancer services facility at the University of Arizona.

The couple, Dr Ram, an orthopedic surgeon, and Meera Krishna made the donation in memory of Meera's sister, Mandira Jalajakshi, who was a physician practicing in England when she passed away in 2012.

The donation will go towards the construction of the UA Cancer Center at St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center outpatient facility that would offer comprehensive cancer services, including infusion, radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, endoscopic radiology, a prevention center, clinical lab space and several specialized cancer clinics.

The five-story, 2,20,000 square-foot facility - a partnership between the varsity and St Joseph's Hospital - is currently under construction in downtown Phoenix and expected to open in September.

The couple, whose two daughters graduated from the UA, said they wanted to give back to the school their children attended, and support UA medical education and research.

"I was very impressed with President Hart's vision, and we wanted to give back. Education and research in the medical field are very important to us," a press statement quoted Ram as saying.

In recognition of the Krishnas' gift, a space in the new center will bear the name of the late Jalajakshi.