The Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) in Sangrur, Punjab, has successfully upgraded its BHABHATRON (BH-II) teletherapy machine with a new Cobalt-60 source, significantly increasing treatment capacity and reducing waiting times for cancer patients.
Treatment capacity more than triples
According to Dr Ashish Gulia, Director of HBCHRC Punjab, the upgraded machine can now treat approximately 65 patients per day, compared to the previous capacity of 15-20 patients. The waiting period for radiotherapy has been reduced from six-eight weeks to about four weeks. “With the new update, we can now treat approximately 65 patients per day, compared to 15-20 earlier. Waiting periods of six-eight weeks will now reduce to about four weeks,” Dr Gulia said.
Improved dose rate enhances patient experience
Dr Gulia explained that the improved dose rate allows faster treatment sessions, which enhances the overall patient experience. “Early initiation of radiotherapy is critical in cancer management and reducing delays can contribute significantly to better outcomes,” he noted. The hospital currently treats around 100 patients daily on two machines, and with the upgrade, the overall capacity will rise to more than 140 patients per day.
Department of Atomic Energy supports upgrade
The Department of Atomic Energy supported the procurement, transportation, and installation of the new Cobalt-60 source at a cost of approximately Rs 1.5 crore. HBCHRC Sangrur is a unit of Tata Memorial Centre under the Department of Atomic Energy, and this upgrade marks an important step toward timely and accessible cancer treatment in the region.
