JP Nadda Inaugurates ₹39 Cr Advanced Radiotherapy Facility at AIIMS Rajkot
New cancer care centre expected to serve 1.54 crore people across Saurashtra, with an annual treatment capacity of 500–700 patients
GG News Bureau
Rajkot, 3rd Nov: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Monday inaugurated the Advanced Radiotherapy Facility at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, strengthening access to specialised cancer treatment across Saurashtra and neighbouring regions.
Developed at an investment of approximately ₹39 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), the facility is equipped with advanced radiation therapy technologies and is expected to serve a population of around 1.54 crore people.
Addressing the gathering, Nadda said timely cancer treatment should be accessible to every citizen, irrespective of geographical location or financial circumstances. He noted that patients from Saurashtra and Kutch earlier had to travel to cities such as Ahmedabad and Mumbai for specialised radiotherapy services.
Advanced technology for cancer treatment
The new facility houses a High Energy Linear Accelerator (LINAC), a Wide Bore CT Simulator and a High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy Unit.
The LINAC supports advanced treatment techniques, including Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT).
These technologies enable precise radiation delivery, while the CT Simulator supports three-dimensional treatment planning. The HDR Brachytherapy Unit provides targeted internal radiation treatment for several cancers, including gynaecological and head and neck cancers.
The department operates within an integrated cancer care framework, supported by chemotherapy and surgical services, including head and neck, orthopaedic, gynaecological oncology and general surgery.
Operational since May 29, 2026, the department has already started providing radiotherapy and chemotherapy services. It is expected to initially handle 500–700 cases annually, covering head and neck, breast, gynaecological, bone and soft tissue malignancies, among others.
37.7 crore people screened for oral cancer
Highlighting the government’s focus on early detection, Nadda said approximately 37.7 crore people had been screened for oral cancer through nationwide initiatives, with around 2.5 lakh cases detected.
He also cited approximately 44 crore screenings each for hypertension and diabetes. Breast cancer screening has covered around 17.7 crore women, identifying approximately 95,000 cases, while 9.8 crore women have undergone cervical cancer screening, with nearly one lakh cases detected.
The Minister highlighted the expansion of AIIMS institutions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that 18 of the country’s 22 AIIMS institutions are now operational, compared with the single institution in New Delhi earlier.
He also referred to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, under which eligible beneficiaries can access cancer treatment at AIIMS Rajkot without cost. Other patients will receive treatment at subsidised rates.
Government highlights affordability and healthcare expansion
Gujarat Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya welcomed the facility, saying it would benefit people across Saurashtra. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening regional healthcare infrastructure.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the government’s broader healthcare initiatives, including more than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and measures to improve the affordability of cancer medicines.
These measures include trade margin rationalisation, AMRIT pharmacies, Jan Aushadhi Kendras and basic customs duty exemptions. She also referred to the availability of CAR-T cell therapy at affordable rates in India.
Srivastava said the National Health Policy 2017 promotes comprehensive healthcare, covering preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative services, with universal health coverage as a national objective.
Facility to serve 11 districts across Saurashtra
The radiotherapy centre is expected to cater to patients from Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Morbi, Surendranagar, Gir Somnath, Devbhumi Dwarka and Botad.
The inauguration was attended by Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, AIIMS Rajkot President Dr J.S. Titiyal, Executive Director Dr L.N. Dorairajan, Members of Parliament Parshottambhai Rupala and Kesridevsinh Jhala, along with senior officials, faculty members and healthcare professionals.
