Assam to Launch India's First Public Proton Beam Therapy Center

The Assam Cabinet has approved a significant investment of Rs 600 crore to establish India's first proton beam therapy facility in the public healthcare sector at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. This advanced cancer treatment center is expected to take three years to become operational and will enhance Assam's capacity to provide specialized cancer care. With only a few centers globally offering this treatment, Assam aims to join an elite group and boost its medical tourism potential. The project includes comprehensive training for medical staff and long-term maintenance support, marking a significant step forward in cancer treatment infrastructure in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 10:40 IST

Introduction of Proton Beam Therapy in Assam

File image of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) (Photo: GMCH website)

Guwahati, Aug 30: The Assam Cabinet has recently sanctioned an investment of Rs 600 crore to establish the nation’s inaugural proton beam therapy facility within the public healthcare sector. This specialized center for cancer treatment is anticipated to take a minimum of three years before it becomes operational.

The new facility will be located at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), significantly enhancing the state's ability to deliver advanced cancer care, as stated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

This substantial investment will encompass the acquisition and installation of the cutting-edge therapy system, the construction of necessary infrastructure, and ongoing operational support, including long-term maintenance.

“The Rs 600-crore investment covers the entire setup, which includes a specialized bunker for the equipment. Training for medical professionals will take approximately one to one-and-a-half years. Additionally, it includes five years of comprehensive maintenance costs, as we will require external support for upkeep,” Sarma explained to the media following the Cabinet meeting.

He also mentioned that the tendering process for the facility has already been finalized.

Out of the total investment, Rs 315 crore will be sourced as a loan from the World Bank for the procurement of the machine, while the Assam government will contribute Rs 285 crore, according to Sarma.

Sarma highlighted that only about 40 centers worldwide currently provide proton beam therapy, including prominent hospitals in the United States and Singapore.

“With the introduction of this machine, Assam will join a prestigious group of global centers. This will also enhance Assam's reputation in medical tourism,” he remarked.

He noted that GMCH will become the third hospital in India, across both public and private sectors, to feature a proton beam therapy facility, making Assam the first state in the country to offer this treatment through its public healthcare system.

The Chief Minister emphasized that proton beam therapy would bolster Assam’s cancer treatment capabilities by providing a more targeted form of radiation therapy.

“Traditional radiation treatments using LINAC and cobalt machines can inadvertently affect surrounding organs. In contrast, proton beam therapy is precision-focused and targets only the affected area,” he stated.

Currently, proton beam therapy is available at select institutions in India, including Apollo Hospitals in Chennai and Tata Memorial.

“This advancement will significantly improve Assam’s ability to care for cancer patients, not just from our state but from all over India,” Sarma concluded.