Assam to establish India’s first public-sector proton beam therapy centre

The Assam government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Belgium-based Ion Beam Applications (IBA) to establish India’s first proton beam therapy centre within the public healthcare sector. The facility will be located at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Guwahati.

Estimated to cost Rs 600 crore, the project is expected to become operational within the next three years. Proton beam therapy is an advanced radiation treatment that uses precise beams to target tumours while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This technology is noted for being particularly beneficial for pediatric patients.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the initiative aims to make advanced cancer treatment more accessible and affordable. Currently, such treatment in India is primarily available through private hospitals, where costs can reach Rs 50 lakh. The centre is expected to serve patients from Northeast India and neighboring countries, including Bhutan and Bangladesh.