Maharashtra Govt Greenlights ₹300 Crore Cyclotron Project in Nagpur
Maharashtra approves a ₹300 crore high-energy medical cyclotron in Nagpur to boost cancer treatment and research.
The Maharashtra government has granted approval for a high-energy medical cyclotron facility in Nagpur, with a projected investment of ₹300 crore. The facility, to be located on 30 hectares in Bhansoli (Kanhi) within Hingna taluka, aims to enhance the availability of radioisotopes crucial for PET-CT scans and cancer care.
Funding and Development Plans
The financial burden of the project will be equally divided between the Medical Education and Drugs Department and the Industries and Mining Department, each contributing ₹150 crore. A government resolution from the Medical Education and Drugs Department outlined these plans, emphasizing the project's role in ensuring a steady supply of short-half-life radioisotopes, which are currently sourced from distant cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad.
The project gained Cabinet approval on June 16, following discussions at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Nagpur. The facility will be developed under MAHACARE, a Section 8 company of the state government, with a new subsidiary company to manage its execution. A steering committee, led by Dr. Shrikant Pardeshi, principal secretary to the chief minister, will oversee the implementation.
Infrastructure and Implementation
The government has also sanctioned the preparation of a detailed project report, the initiation of the tendering process, and the establishment of necessary technical and administrative roles. A multidisciplinary board, chaired by the commissioner of medical education and co-chaired by the development commissioner for industries, will guide the project. This board will include representatives from AIIMS Nagpur, Government Medical College Nagpur, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, National Cancer Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, IIT Bombay, IIM Nagpur, and BARC, along with senior state and district officials.
Impact on Healthcare and Research
Once operational, the cyclotron is expected to significantly reduce dependency on remote production centers for medical isotopes, facilitating timely access to PET imaging and radionuclide therapies. This will not only improve cancer diagnosis and treatment in Vidarbha and neighboring regions but also bolster radiopharmaceutical production and cancer research efforts.