Four Medical Colleges Get LINAC Machines, Bhopal Left Out

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh - Four medical colleges have recently received Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machines, but Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal remains without one. These state-of-the-art machines have arrived at four other old medical colleges in Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, and Gwalior. Originally planned to be installed at five old medical colleges, the special bunkers needed for housing the linear accelerator machines have been constructed in the hospitals attached to these colleges, ensuring radiation safety.

The LINAC machines, which cost Rs 46.7 crore each and come with a four-year warranty and maintenance for four more years (Rs 4.4 crore), will provide cancer patients in these regions with access to advanced radiation treatment. So far, patients had to seek this specialized care from private hospitals.

Madhya Pradesh Public Health Services Corporation Limited (MPPHSCL) will receive 3% of the total cost for their services, while about Rs 1.8 crore will be spent on international modifications inside the bunker to meet the requirements for installation. Once these machines are operational, cancer patients will be able to receive cutting-edge radiation treatment at government hospitals instead of having to travel to private hospitals.

Dr Shyamji Rawat, Head of Oncology at the State Cancer Institute (NSCB Medical College), mentioned that it will take an additional six months for the LINAC machine to be fully installed and operational. Dr Pranjal Shrivastava, Joint Director of DME (Hospital Administration), noted that the LINAC machines have arrived in parts at Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, and Gwalior, but due to a lack of funds, the Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal has not received the machines yet.