In a major step towards strengthening advanced cancer treatment in the public healthcare system, the Assam Cabinet has approved the procurement of a proton beam therapy unit at a cost of ₹600 crore. The facility will be established at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Assam to Get First Public-Sector Proton Therapy Unit
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the facility will make Assam the first state in India to offer proton beam therapy through a state-run healthcare institution. The technology is considered one of the most advanced forms of radiation treatment for cancer.
The ₹600-crore project will be funded through a combination of external assistance and state resources. The World Bank is expected to provide a loan of ₹315 crore, while the Assam government will contribute ₹285 crore.
Precision-Based Cancer Treatment
Proton beam therapy uses proton particles to target cancerous tumours with greater precision than conventional radiation techniques. Its ability to focus radiation more accurately can help reduce exposure and potential damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
According to the Chief Minister, proton therapy is currently available at only two private hospitals in India, located in Mumbai and Chennai, while no state-run hospital has such a facility.
Focus on Medical Tourism
The Assam government expects the advanced facility to benefit patients within the state while also attracting people from other parts of India and neighbouring regions for specialised cancer treatment.
Sarma said the availability of proton beam therapy could help Assam emerge as a destination for advanced cancer care and contribute to the growth of medical tourism in the state.
₹50,000 Crore Development Plan Approved
In another major decision, the Assam Cabinet approved a ₹50,000-crore development programme to be implemented over seven years from 2027-28. The initiative aims to accelerate infrastructure and social development as part of the state’s vision of becoming a developed state.
The proposed spending will cover multiple sectors, including education, healthcare-related infrastructure, roads and community facilities.
Investment in Schools and Local Infrastructure
Under the plan, 1,000 high schools will receive ₹7 crore each for upgrading facilities. The government also plans to establish 6,000 new Anganwadi centres, along with women’s markets and a stadium in every constituency.
The programme will also include development of new road networks and other infrastructure projects across Assam.
The state government plans to finance ₹30,000 crore of the programme through borrowing from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), while the remaining ₹20,000 crore will come from increased state revenue collections.