Assam Clears ₹600 Crore Proton Beam Unit To Advance Cancer Treatment Facilities Statewide

The Assam cabinet on Sunday approved the purchase of a proton beam therapy unit for cancer treatment at an estimated cost of ₹600 crore, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The project is aimed at strengthening advanced cancer care in the state and expanding access to specialised treatment through the public healthcare system. Sarma said Assam would become the first state in India to have a proton beam therapy unit in the public healthcare sector. Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment that uses proton particles to target cancer cells. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, which uses X-rays, proton therapy can potentially deliver radiation more precisely to a tumour while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

The technology is used for treating certain types of cancers, although its suitability depends on factors such as the location and nature of the tumour and the individual patient's medical condition. The ₹600-crore approval represents a significant investment by the Assam government in specialised cancer infrastructure. The state has been expanding its healthcare facilities in recent years, particularly in cancer treatment, as it seeks to improve access to advanced medical services within Assam. The proposed unit is expected to add another specialised treatment option to the state's public healthcare network and could reduce the need for some patients to travel outside the region for highly specialised radiation treatment.

Announcing the cabinet decision, Sarma highlighted the significance of establishing proton beam therapy within the public healthcare sector. “Assam will be the first state in the country to have a proton beam therapy unit in the public health care sector,” he said. The chief minister's statement underlined the government's intention to make advanced cancer treatment available through public facilities rather than limiting access to patients who can afford treatment at specialised private centres. The decision comes against the backdrop of Assam and the wider northeastern region's continuing need for accessible cancer care.

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Cancer treatment often requires multiple stages of care, including diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, depending on the disease. Advanced radiation technologies can form part of treatment plans for selected patients. Establishing such infrastructure in the region could strengthen Assam's position as a healthcare hub for patients requiring specialised oncology services. However, proton beam therapy is a highly specialised treatment that requires sophisticated equipment, trained medical professionals and supporting infrastructure. The effectiveness and appropriateness of the treatment also vary depending on the type of cancer and individual clinical circumstances.

The government's ₹600-crore investment will therefore involve not only the acquisition of the unit but also the development of the expertise and facilities required to operate such technology safely and effectively. The cabinet's approval marks a major step in Assam's plans to expand advanced cancer treatment within the public healthcare system. Once established, the proton beam therapy facility could provide patients with access to a treatment technology that is available only at a limited number of centres in India. The project is expected to be closely watched as the state moves from approval and procurement towards establishing the facility and integrating it into Assam's broader cancer-care infrastructure.

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