Linear accelerator might arrive at GMC, but what about CT simulator?

Nagpur: Looking at the increasing number of cancer patients, especially of oral cancer in Vidarbha, the government has already sanctioned an important equipment ‘Linear Accelerator’ (Linac) for GMCH. Sanctioned in 2018 when Devendra Fadnavis was the CM, this machine is yet to arrive at GMCH. However, there is no proposal yet to buy a CT simulator, which is required for proper use of the linear accelerator.
The earlier MVA government had blamed some technical issues for the delay in the purchase of Linac equipment. With a new government in place, GMCH might get the Linac soon, but it’s not enough, say support groups for cancer treatment.
“Linear accelerator needs a support device known as CT simulator. It’s a real-time, CT-linked, 3-D treatment planning system. This ensures targeted therapy on cancerous cells and other healthy cells remain intact,” said Rajiv Jagtap, president of Janmanch, the group that has demanded immediate sanction of CT-S device so that both advanced equipment can arrive together at GMCH.
CT-S consists of a CT scanner, a multi-image display, a treatment planning device with real-time visual optimization, and a laser beam projector. Even renowned radiologists in the city confirmed that the optimum use of Linac can be ensured only with the support of CT simulators.
Officials at DMER confirmed that the then CM Devendra Fadnavis had approved Rs23.60 crore for linear accelerator at GMCH back in 2018. The plan was to install the new machines in the existing building of GMCH. There is a cancer hospital proposed in the premises of GMCH, construction for which is to be done by NIT. When this new building is ready, these machines can be shifted there.
“There is an urgency to get this project off the ground immediately,” said cancer awareness activist Madhuri Tijare. “Vidarbha has become a cancer capital. Linac is available in some private hospitals and charity hospitals too. But no government hospital has this facility. It’s very sad to see patients lining up but radiotherapy treatment can’t be given as machines are not working,” she said.
DELAYED, AND HALF-DONE
Rs23.6 crore approved for linear accelerator at GMCH in 2018
Linac to replace existing cobalt-based radiotherapy machines
Procurement delayed for various reasons by government
Even if Linac machine arrives, it won’t work to full capacity
CT-S support machines must for optimum use of Linac
Janmanch has asked govt to take quick action and buy both machines together