In a major boost to cancer treatment infrastructure in the Northeast, the Assam government has announced plans to install a ₹500-crore proton therapy machine at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The move is aimed at providing cutting-edge cancer care within the public healthcare system and reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state for specialised treatment.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement during a recent interaction with the media, stating that the advanced facility will be set up at the State Cancer Institute, GMCH. With this initiative, Assam is set to become one of the first states in India to offer proton therapy in a government-run hospital.
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment that uses high-energy protons to precisely target cancerous tumours, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Medical experts say the technology is particularly effective for treating complex cancers and tumours located near vital organs, and is associated with fewer side effects compared to conventional radiotherapy.
At present, proton therapy is available only at a limited number of private hospitals in India, making the treatment prohibitively expensive for many patients. The introduction of the facility at GMCH is expected to significantly improve accessibility and affordability for cancer patients from Assam and neighbouring northeastern states.
The Chief Minister said the initiative would help curb the financial and emotional burden on families who are often forced to seek treatment in metro cities outside the region. He also noted that the project could position Assam as a regional hub for advanced cancer care and promote medical tourism.
The proton therapy unit will form part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, particularly cancer treatment services, across Assam. Officials said further details regarding procurement, installation timelines and operational readiness will be announced in due course.
Healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups have welcomed the decision, calling it a landmark step towards ensuring equitable access to world-class cancer treatment in the public health sector.
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