AIIMS sets up top tier Brachytherapy unit

By Vikas Vaidya

Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) is awaiting Linear Accelerator, useful for treating cancer patients, since 2018 while the advanced facility of Brachytherapy has been installed in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur. AIIMS has introduced the state-of-the-art Brach-ytherapy Facility for Comprehensive Cancer Care. This shows the difference of handling such issues by Central and State Governments. AIIMS is run by Central Government. AIIMS, Nagpur has launched advanced brachytherapy facility, significantly enhancing its range of oncological services. This new addition ensures that over 90% of cancer patients, who typically require radiotherapy, can now receive comprehensive radiation oncology care under one roof. Under the leadership of Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIIMS Prof Dr P P Joshi, AIIMS has invested in cutting-edge technology to improve cancer treatment outcomes. The Radiation Oncology Department now houses a brachytherapy machine valued at approximately Rs 2 crore and a high-energy linear accelerator worth around Rs 20 crore. The Radiation Oncology department now houses a brachytherapy machine valued at approximately Rs 2 crore and a high-energy linear accelerator worth around Rs 20 crore (It includes Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)/Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT).

This substantial investment underscores AIIMS Nagpur’s commitment in providing top-tier oncology care. Brachytherapy, a sophisticated method of delivering radiotherapy, uses a radioactive source to precisely target cancerous areas. This technique preserves organ function, improves cosmetic outcomes, and enhances patient survival rates, with significantly less toxicity compared to standard external radiotherapy, elaborated Dr P P Joshi. On the other hand, the Radiotherapy Department of GMCH is awaiting equipments worth Rs 23.20 crore including High Energy Linear Accelearator, Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)/Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), since 2018. From Dr Abhimanyu Niswade, Dr Sunil Gupta, Dr Sajal Mitra to now Dr Raj Gajbhiye, all have followed it up. It is learnt that now the tendering process would start. Due to redtapism, GMCH failed to construct bunker that needs to accommodate Linear accelerator. Dr Krishna Kamble to present Dr Ashok Diwan who is heading the department of Radiotherapy now, tried their best to make this department well-equipped. In this new era, the department is treating patients with the help of outdated Cobalt Unit.

GMCH has been demanding these equipments since long but in the name of new cancer hospital, this tertiary unit never received it. Meanwhile, Aurangabad has received it for the second time now. Because GMCH did not receive it, it led to affecting the prospects of Post Graduate and Under Graduate students also who had to have hands-on experience of old and outdated equipment. With these new equipment, students too will get a better training. Dr Raj Gajbhiye, Dean of GMCH made it clear, “The cost of treatment through these equipment is very high in private set-up. Government has given momentum to our demands. Now the poor and needy patients too will avail its benefits without paying a single penny.” Government had diverted funds to the tune of Rs 23.20 crore to Haffkine Corporation to purchase the equipment. The tender process that was conducted by Haffkine did not get the response. Since the approval was completed one year without equipment being purchased, the revised approval was needed.

AIIMS emphasises on quality of treatment

In addition to improving survival rates, AIIMS, Nagpur emphasises on the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Recognising the psychosocial and financial challenges faced by cancer fighters, Dr P P Joshi, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIIMS, Nagpur said, “The Radiation Oncology Department has introduced several supportive initiatives:

• Shravan Bal Kendra: A support centre for cancer caregivers.

• Ankur: A self-help group offering recreational activities to boost the psychological and financial well-being of cancer fighters and their families.

• Tilottama: An oncology support centre specifically for courtesans, addressing the unique risks of cervical cancer and associated social stigmas.

AIIMS Nagpur invites patients, volunteers, and NGOs to collaborate in this noble cause, striving together for a healthier, stronger India.”