AIIMS Bathinda is taking steps to introduce proton beam therapy, an advanced cancer treatment method, by acquiring a high-end machine estimated to cost around ₹500 crore. The institute is currently in talks with international partners in Singapore and Italy to secure the equipment through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
If successful, AIIMS Bathinda will become the first public sector hospital in India to offer proton therapy, marking a significant milestone in government-run cancer care.
Dr. Meenu Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bathinda and AIIMS Rishikesh, highlighted the benefits of the therapy, describing it as a state-of-the-art treatment particularly effective for complex cancers such as those of the central nervous system, head and neck, and urological areas.
“Currently, only a private hospital in Chennai offers this treatment, and Tata Memorial Centre uses it mainly for research. Given the high cost, we’re seeking CSR support instead of relying on conventional funding,” she said.
Dr. Singh added that AIIMS Bathinda caters to cancer patients from Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, especially from the Malwa region of Punjab, where previously many had to travel long distances, including to Rajasthan, for treatment. She said that introducing proton beam therapy would significantly enhance the quality and scope of care available at the institute.
Dr. Anil Kumar Goel, head of the radiation oncology department at AIIMS Bathinda and a specialist trained in the U.S., is spearheading the project. He explained that proton therapy is particularly beneficial for children, as it targets tumours with high precision and minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
“Children are especially vulnerable to side effects from standard radiation therapy. In young patients—especially those under three—traditional methods can affect bone development,” Dr. Goel said. “Proton therapy allows us to avoid these issues by delivering radiation directly to the tumour with minimal spread.”
The institute’s efforts represent a major leap toward making cutting-edge cancer care more accessible in India’s public healthcare system.
