NAGPUR: State medical education minister Amit Deshmukh told the legislature on Wednesday that some technical issues are causing delay in purchase of linear accelerator (LINAC) equipment for Government Medical College’s cancer unit. Approved in 2018, the new LINAC machines will replace the existing cobalt-based radiotherapy machines.
The minister added that construction of new building on the campus is expected to start in a few months.
A LINAC customizes high energy x-rays or electrons to conform to a tumor's shape and destroy cancer cells while sparing surrounding normal tissue.
Sameer Meghe, MLA from Hingna, was the first to raise the issue on the assembly floor. “In 2018, then CM Devendra Fadnavis had approved Rs23.60 crore for linear accelerators. I want to know what is the current status of that proposed purchase,” said Meghe.
Deshmukh replied that tender had been floated for the equipment, but bidders said they wanted to see the actual space where it will be installed.
“Without seeing the location and the place where it will be put, they are unable to give a quote. Now, this equipment is to be installed in the new building, which is yet to be constructed. Due to the pandemic, almost all construction work had come to a halt in the state. But now Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has made progress and I believe that in a few months construction should start,” said Deshmukh.
However, leader of opposition Fadnavis countered that by citing what exactly was discussed in 2018. “The plan was to install the new machines in the existing building. When the new building is ready, everything can be shifted,” said Fadnavis.
Deshmukh then said he will ask his department to look into it immediately. “If that’s how it was discussed in 2018 and orders to that effect were issued, then we shall implement it,” said Deshmukh.
Fadnavis said there was an urgency to get this project off the ground immediately. “That part of Vidarbha has literally become a cancer capital. It’s very sad to see patients lining up but radiotherapy treatment can’t be given as machines are not working. The new linear accelerator machines will be of big help to suffering patients,” said Fadnavis.
He said money should be immediately given to NIT to start construction. “Or NIT can be asked to start work from internal accruals, for now,” said Fadnavis.
