In a significant boost to healthcare in eastern India, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Deoghar announced on Saturday that it has officially commenced radiotherapy services at its facility. This development promises substantial relief for cancer patients in the Santhal Pargana region and adjoining areas, who previously faced arduous journeys for treatment.
High-Tech Equipment for Precise Cancer Care
The institute is now equipped with a state-of-the-art, high-energy Linear Accelerator, specifically the Elekta Versa HD model. This advanced technology allows for highly precise radiation delivery, which is crucial for targeting tumours effectively while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The precision directly translates to reduced side effects and enhanced patient safety during cancer therapy.
Furthermore, the management at AIIMS Deoghar has already charted an ambitious expansion plan. With financial backing from ONGC under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the installation of an additional Linear Accelerator, a Varian TrueBeam system, is on the anvil. The expansion blueprint also includes introducing brachytherapy services, a form of internal radiation therapy where a radiation source is placed inside the body near the cancer cells.
Ending the Long and Costly Journey for Treatment
Prior to this launch, the landscape of cancer care was starkly different for residents of Santhal Pargana and its bordering zones in West Bengal and Bihar. Patients in need of radiotherapy were forced to travel long distances to major cities like Ranchi, Patna, or Jamshedpur. This travel was not just physically taxing for already-ill individuals but also led to critical treatment delays and imposed severe financial strain on their families due to travel and accommodation costs.
The first radiotherapy procedure at the new facility was successfully performed on a patient this past Thursday, marking a historic milestone for the institute and the region.
A New Era of Accessible and Timely Healthcare
The executive director of AIIMS Deoghar, Dr. Nitin M Gangane, emphasised the transformative impact of this service. He stated that with radiotherapy now available locally, patients can finally access timely, affordable, and high-quality cancer care within their own region. This local availability is expected to improve treatment adherence, outcomes, and overall quality of life for patients and their families.
This initiative by AIIMS Deoghar represents a major leap forward in bridging the healthcare infrastructure gap in eastern India. It stands to benefit a vast population across the six districts of Santhal Pargana in Jharkhand and its neighbouring areas, bringing advanced oncology services closer to home and offering a beacon of hope to countless individuals battling cancer.
