Assam has taken a pioneering leap in public oncology care by approving ₹500 crore for a proton therapy unit at Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH)’s State Cancer Institute. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision during New Year media interactions, describing it as a “major boost” to precision cancer treatment in the public sector.

Proton therapy uses charged particles to deliver radiation directly to tumors with minimal exit dose reducing side effects compared to conventional X-ray radiotherapy. This is especially beneficial for sensitive cases like childhood cancers, brain tumors, and prostate malignancies, where preserving surrounding tissues is critical.

Currently, proton therapy is limited to two private centres in India (Tata Memorial in Mumbai and Apollo in Chennai), forcing patients from Assam and the Northeast to travel long distances at high costs. The new unit will reverse this trend: “Patients from Assam were going out. but now, cancer patients from across India will come here,” Sarma stated, highlighting potential for medical tourism.

A tender has been floated for the machine, with installation planned at the State Cancer Institute within GMCH. This aligns with Assam’s broader oncology push: 17 dedicated cancer hospitals envisioned statewide, 9 already functional, plus ongoing radiological upgrades.

The move underscores the government’s commitment to accessible, advanced care amid rising cancer incidence offering hope for reduced mortality through timely, precise interventions in the public system.