The Maharashtra Cabinet has given its approval for the establishment of a High Energy Medical Cyclotron Project (HEMCP) in Nagpur. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹300 crore, aims to significantly boost cancer treatment and research by ensuring the local availability of radioisotopes essential for PET-CT scans and nuclear medicine services. The facility is expected to transform Nagpur into a regional Radiopharmaceutical Innovation Hub.
Project Details and Objectives
The initiative, to be implemented through “Mahacare,” involves the formation of a separate subsidiary for its management. The primary objective is to address the rising number of cancer cases by making crucial radioisotopes readily accessible, thereby reducing dependence on metropolitan centers like Mumbai and Hyderabad. This will not only improve the precision of medical treatments but also potentially reduce treatment delays and transportation costs for patients.
According to officials from the Medical Education and Drugs department, around thirty hectares of land at Bhansoli (Kinhi) in Hingna taluka have been allocated for the project. The estimated cost of ₹300 crore will see an expenditure sharing ratio of 50:50 between the Medical Education Department and the Industry Department. While the Medical Education Department will provide ₹150 crore, the remaining funds for land, construction, and machinery will be finalized after the project report is prepared.
Strategic Location and Benefits
Nagpur’s central geographical location is a key factor in its selection as the site for this facility. It is projected to benefit patients within a 500 km radius, encompassing regions of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The presence of established medical institutions such as AIIMS Nagpur, the National Cancer Institute, and the Government Medical College further solidifies Nagpur’s position as an ideal center for advanced medical services.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be established under the Companies Act, 2013, for the project’s implementation. The Commissioner of Medical Education will serve as the Chairman of this SPV. The project’s strategic placement is expected to position Nagpur as a significant radiopharmaceutical innovation hub, reducing the burden on other major cities for critical nuclear medicine requirements.
Broader Impact and Healthcare Initiatives
The project aligns with broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in central India. It is anticipated that the cyclotron facility will not only enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment but also contribute to advancements in nuclear research and various industrial applications, including metallurgy and semiconductor manufacturing. The state government has also approved the Maharashtra Rural Drinking Water Policy 2026, aiming for sustainable and clean drinking water supply to rural households.
Previously, plans for a cyclotron centre in Nagpur were discussed, with a focus on early cancer detection and treatment. The proposed facility was envisioned to be on par with leading cyclotron centers in the country, enabling nuclear research within the city. This development signifies a major step towards self-dependence in sourcing radioisotopes for medical purposes and bolstering scientific research.
The Maharashtra Cancer Care, Research and Education (MAHACARE) Foundation, a Section 8 company, has been established to create a comprehensive cancer care network across the state. This foundation aims to make cancer treatments affordable and accessible, particularly for marginalized sections of society. The government’s initiatives underscore a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring that advanced medical treatments are within reach for a larger population.
The Chenab Times News Desk