Assam Secures Deal for Country's First State-Run Proton Therapy Facility

The Government of Assam has finalized an agreement with IBA Particle Therapy India Pvt. Ltd. to set up a Proton Beam Therapy Centre in Guwahati, marking the nation's first state-run facility of its kind. The project is backed by an investment of approximately Rs. 600 crore, which includes funding from the World Bank and the State Government.

According to officials, the advanced center will utilize precise proton beams to target cancer cells while limiting radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This technology is considered particularly beneficial for pediatric patients and for treating cancers located near vital organs such as the brain, spine, and heart.

To ensure proper operation of the facility, the agreement includes specialized training for doctors, medical physicists, and technicians through IBA and global institutions. Additionally, the State Government has approached the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai to assist with early onboarding and practical staff training.

The new center adds to ongoing healthcare expansion efforts in the region, which already include a network of multiple functional cancer hospitals established in partnership with Tata Trusts. State leaders noted that the overarching goal is to bring specialized diagnostic and treatment services closer to patients' homes.