AIIMS Rajkot Gets High-Tech Cancer Care Boost: JP Nadda Opens Advanced Radiotherapy Facility
Union Health Minister JP Nadda inaugurates a ₹39 crore cancer care facility at AIIMS Rajkot to serve 1.54 crore people in Saurashtra and Kutch.
In a major leap for healthcare in Gujarat, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday inaugurated an Advanced Radiotherapy Facility at AIIMS Rajkot. This new center is designed to bring specialized and affordable oncology care to the Saurashtra region, ensuring that life-saving treatment is no longer a distant dream for millions.
A Lifeline for Saurashtra and Kutch
Established with an investment of approximately ₹39 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), the facility is poised to bridge a critical gap in regional healthcare. The center will serve a massive catchment population of an estimated 1.54 crore people across several districts, including:
- Rajkot
- Jamnagar
- Junagadh
- Porbandar
- Bhavnagar
- Morbi
During the event, Minister Nadda highlighted the emotional and financial toll cancer takes on families. He noted that previously, residents of Saurashtra and Kutch were forced to travel long distances to major hubs like Mumbai or Ahmedabad for specialized radiotherapy. The new facility effectively eliminates this geographical barrier.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Precision Healing
The newly dedicated department is not just about accessibility but also about world-class precision. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical machinery to ensure the highest standards of care:
- High Energy Linear Accelerator (LINAC): This allows for millimeter-level precision in treating tumors through advanced methods such as Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT).
- Wide Bore CT Simulator: For accurate planning of radiation beams.
- High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy Unit: For targeted internal radiation therapy.
Affordability and Accessibility
Addressing the financial burden of cancer, the Union Minister confirmed that eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will receive treatment at the facility free of cost. For those not covered by the scheme, treatments will be provided at highly subsidized rates.
A National Vision for Tertiary Care
Minister Nadda reflected on the expansion of healthcare infrastructure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing out that India has grown from having a single AIIMS in New Delhi to 18 operational institutes out of 22 sanctioned across the country.
Focus on Early Detection
The Minister also emphasized that prevention is as vital as treatment. He shared impressive screening data achieved through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs:
- Oral Cancer: Over 37.7 crore people screened, with approximately 2.5 lakh cases detected.
- Breast Cancer: 17.7 crore women screened, leading to the detection of around 95,000 cases.
- Cervical Cancer: 9.8 crore women screened, with about one lakh cases identified.
Government Policy and Support
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava detailed the broader policy framework, mentioning the National Health Policy 2017 and the expansion of over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. She also highlighted efforts to make oncology medicines more affordable through AMRIT pharmacies and exemptions on basic customs duties.
The inauguration was attended by several dignitaries, including Gujarat Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya, Members of Parliament Parshottambhai Rupala and Kesridevsinh Jhala, AIIMS Rajkot President J.S. Titiyal, and Executive Director L.N. Dorairajan, alongside other senior officials.