Healthcare services in Gujarat are set to receive a major boost with the launch of an advanced radiotherapy facility at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated the modern facility, which has been developed with an investment of approximately ₹39 crore. The new centre aims to improve access to advanced cancer treatment for patients across the region.

The initiative is expected to strengthen specialised healthcare services under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).

1. Around 1.54 Crore People Expected to Benefit

The newly inaugurated radiotherapy facility is expected to benefit approximately 1.54 crore people in the surrounding region. According to the projections shared during the inauguration, the centre is expected to treat between 500 and 700 cancer patients every year.

The availability of advanced radiotherapy services at AIIMS Rajkot will help patients access specialised treatment closer to home, potentially reducing the need to travel to distant cities for cancer care.

2. Advanced Radiotherapy to Improve Cancer Treatment

The facility is equipped to provide modern radiotherapy services, which use targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells or control their growth. Radiotherapy is an important treatment option for several types of cancer and may be used independently or alongside surgery and chemotherapy.

The introduction of these services is expected to expand the treatment options available to cancer patients in Gujarat and neighbouring areas.

3. More Focus on Early Cancer Detection

During the inauguration, the Union Health Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening cancer screening programmes across the country. He stated that approximately 37.7 crore people had been screened for oral cancer.

Early detection plays an important role in cancer management because identifying the disease at an earlier stage can improve treatment options and patient outcomes.

4. Over 1.8 Lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Strengthening Healthcare

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the government's efforts to expand healthcare access through the National Health Policy 2017.

She noted that more than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are providing healthcare services across the country. Efforts are also being made to improve the affordability and availability of essential cancer medicines.

5. Gujarat Government Welcomes the New Facility

Gujarat Minister of State for Health Prafulla Pansheriya welcomed the inauguration of the advanced radiotherapy centre at AIIMS Rajkot. The facility is expected to strengthen the state's healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised medical services.

What Does This Mean for Cancer Patients?

The launch of the advanced radiotherapy facility marks an expansion of specialised cancer care in the Saurashtra region. With an investment of around ₹39 crore and an estimated annual treatment capacity of 500–700 patients, the centre is expected to provide more accessible treatment options.

Along with better screening facilities, affordable medicines and expanding healthcare infrastructure, such initiatives aim to strengthen cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment services across India.