Maha Cabinet approves cyclotron project in Nagpur to boost cancer care

Why in News?

The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Devendra Fadnavis, has approved the establishment of a High-Energy Medical Cyclotron Project (HEMCP) in Nagpur with an estimated investment of ₹300 crore. The project aims to transform Nagpur into a Radiopharmaceutical Innovation Hub, strengthening nuclear medicine and cancer care in central India.

Key Highlights

• The project will ensure the local production of medical radioisotopes, reducing dependence on major centres such as Mumbai and Hyderabad.
• It will improve the availability of radioisotopes required for PET-CT scans and nuclear medicine services, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment.
• Owing to its central location, Nagpur will serve patients within a 500-km radius, covering parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• The facility will leverage the existing healthcare ecosystem, including AIIMS Nagpur, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Government Medical College (GMC), Nagpur.

What is a Cyclotron?

• According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, a cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator that uses magnetic and electric fields to accelerate charged particles such as protons or ions to very high speeds.
• These high-energy particles strike a target material, producing radioisotopes through nuclear reactions.

Applications of Cyclotrons

• Healthcare: Production of radioisotopes used in PET-CT imaging, nuclear medicine, and targeted radionuclide therapy for cancer treatment.
• Scientific Research: Generation of isotopes for research in physics, chemistry, biology, and material sciences.
• Industry: Used in materials testing, quality control, and industrial radiography.
• Clean Energy: Production of isotopes used in nuclear science and advanced energy technologies.

Significance

• Cyclotrons enable the on-site or nearby production of short-lived radioisotopes, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment, especially for cancer patients.
• The HEMCP will enhance regional healthcare infrastructure, reduce logistical challenges in transporting radioisotopes, and promote Nagpur as a major centre for radiopharmaceutical research, innovation, and advanced nuclear medicine.

Sources: DD News & IAEA