In Brief
- While India has private proton therapy options, this will be the country's first government-backed, public-sector proton beam therapy center.
- The facility will feature the compact ProteusONE system, offering precise radiation targeting with fewer side effects, which is especially vital for pediatric cancer patients.
- The ₹600-crore project cost is supported by a World Bank loan (₹315 crore, with approximately ₹270 crore to be repaid by the central government), state funds including Assam Arogya Nidhi, and state budget allocations.
- The center is expected to be installed and operational within the next three years, with staff training supported by IBA and coordination with Mumbai's Tata Memorial Centre.
Assam Signs Landmark ₹600-Crore Pact for India’s First Public Proton Beam Therapy Center
Advanced cancer care in India is set to reach a major milestone. The Assam government finalized a historic agreement on October 31, 2026, to set up the nation's first public-sector Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) center at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Sarma, the high-precision cancer treatment facility involves an estimated investment of ₹600 crore and is projected to become fully functional within three years.
Cutting-Edge Treatment Made Accessible
Proton beam therapy represents the cutting edge of radiation oncology, utilizing proton beams rather than traditional X-rays to precisely target tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and critical organs. This makes it exceptionally effective for complex tumors and pediatric cancer cases.
Until now, proton therapy in India has been restricted to expensive private healthcare setups. By bringing the technology to a public institution, the initiative aims to make advanced treatment vastly more affordable and accessible to ordinary citizens across Assam, the Northeast, neighboring states, and international medical tourists from Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Collaborative Funding and Training
The multi-layered financing for the project includes a structural loan of ₹315 crore from the World Bank (with roughly ₹270 crore to be repaid by the Government of India) alongside state contributions utilizing the Assam Arogya Nidhi fund.
Under the terms of the contract, equipment provider IBA will handle technical setup and comprehensive training for local doctors, medical physicists, and support staff, with additional medical onboarding supported by the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai.
