Guwahati: Assam inked a deal with Belgium-based IBA to bring a proton beam therapy machine to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the agreement on Saturday, October 31. The project carries a 600 crore rupee price tag. It will take three years to install. This marks a first for India’s public healthcare system.
Sarma said proton beam therapy is among the most advanced forms of radiation-based cancer treatment and would strengthen Assam's capacity to provide specialised oncology services. The machine uses proton particles rather than traditional X-rays to target tumors. This precision limits damage to healthy tissue. It helps in cases where nearby organs face high risks.
The government plans to keep treatment costs low by minimizing capital expenditure. Patients currently get financial support through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which covers 5 lakh rupees in insurance. The state aims to boost its status as a medical hub for the Northeast, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and North Bengal. Locals will no longer need to travel abroad for high-end radiation care.
Updated at 31st October 2026 at 10:00pm
Sarma noted that the technology proves particularly effective for pediatric cancer cases. Previously, this specialized treatment existed only in private Indian hospitals, where bills could hit 50 lakh rupees.
The project fits into a larger state effort to build 17 cancer hospitals. Twelve of those facilities are already running, backed by new community outreach programs and investments in medical staff.
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