Advanced Cancer Therapy Equipment to Be Available at GMCH; Cabinet Approves Procurement
Assam is set to take a major step forward in cancer care with the state government moving ahead with plans to establish an advanced Proton Therapy Centre at the State Cancer Institute under Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
According to the state government’s budgetary provisions and Cabinet decisions, approximately ₹550 crore will be invested in the ambitious project. The initial allocation for the project had been set at around ₹500 crore.
GMCH Set to Become First Government Hospital with Proton Therapy Facility
Once operational, the facility is expected to make GMCH the first government-sector hospital in India to offer proton beam therapy, according to the state government.
At present, proton therapy is available only at a limited number of private healthcare institutions in the country, making access to the highly specialised treatment difficult for many patients.
What Is Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment used in cancer care. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, proton beams can be precisely targeted at tumours, potentially reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
The treatment can be particularly useful in selected cases involving tumours located in sensitive areas such as the brain, spinal cord and eyes, as well as certain childhood cancers.
However, the suitability of proton therapy depends on the type, location and stage of the tumour, and the treatment plan is determined by specialists on a case-by-case basis.
Centre Targeted for Completion Within Three Years
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah have stated that the government aims to make the Proton Therapy Centre fully operational within the next three years.
The project is being viewed as a significant investment in strengthening Assam’s advanced cancer treatment infrastructure.
Major Relief for Cancer Patients Across Northeast
The proposed facility could provide significant relief to cancer patients from Assam and other parts of the Northeast who currently have to travel to major cities such as Mumbai and Chennai for access to specialised proton therapy.
With the facility coming up at GMCH, patients may have access to advanced cancer treatment closer to home, potentially reducing the financial and logistical burden associated with travelling outside the region.
The project is also expected to strengthen Guwahati’s position as a major healthcare hub in Northeast India, particularly in the field of advanced cancer treatment.
The state government’s broader objective is to make advanced healthcare facilities available within Assam while seeking to provide treatment at a comparatively lower cost for patients.
