CM Sarma Announces Rs 550 Crore Investment In Proton Therapy In Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced that the state government will invest Rs 550 crore to establish a proton beam therapy facility at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for advanced cancer treatment. The project is aimed at strengthening cancer care infrastructure in the state and reducing the need for patients to travel outside Assam for specialised medical services.

Speaking to reporters after the presentation of the Assam Budget 2026-27 by Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah in the state Assembly, Sarma said the proposed facility would make Assam one of the first states in India to provide proton therapy in a government healthcare setting. He said the initiative would bring advanced cancer treatment closer to patients in the Northeast.

The proton therapy centre at GMCH will use one of the most advanced forms of radiation treatment available globally. The technology allows doctors to target cancerous tumours with high precision while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, which can help reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes, particularly in complex cancer cases.

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According to the Budget proposals, Rs 550 crore has been allocated for setting up the facility. The Chief Minister said the project reflects the state government’s focus on developing modern healthcare infrastructure and transforming Assam into a major healthcare destination in eastern India.

Sarma highlighted that Assam has already expanded its cancer care network in recent years through the establishment of specialised cancer hospitals in collaboration with Tata Trusts. He said the addition of proton beam therapy would further strengthen the state’s ability to provide advanced treatment options to patients.

The Chief Minister said access to advanced cancer care within Assam would help improve treatment outcomes while reducing the financial and emotional challenges faced by families who currently travel to major metropolitan cities for specialised therapies. He added that the initiative is among the key healthcare measures announced in the Assam Budget 2026-27, which focuses on improving medical facilities and expanding quality healthcare services across the state.

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