CHENNAI: Health minister Ma Subramanian inaugurated a state-of-the-art cobalt external beam radiation therapy machine for Rs 2.76 crores at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital on Friday. He noted that the hospital has been providing radiation therapy for cancer for over a century and is noted for being a pioneer in this field in Asia and the second hospital in the world to use radiation therapy.
While talking to reporters, the minister said, "Radiation therapy techniques have evolved significantly and reflect the continuous modernization of treatment methods over the last century. The hospital has treated over a million patients this century, a notable achievement. To enhance this legacy, a state-of-the-art cobalt machine for external beam radiation therapy has been inaugurated at a total cost of Rs 2.76 crores."
He explained that this advanced machine uses high-energy gamma rays to precisely target and eliminate cancer cells in affected tissues to effectively treat cervical, breast, head and neck, and esophageal cancers. It ensures accurate and precise treatment. It can deliver radiation to tumours while sparing surrounding healthy tissues or organs, allowing for complete treatment within five to six weeks without affecting critical areas.
In the 2023-24 financial year, a cancer screening programme was launched in Erode, Tirupattur, Kanniyakumari, and Ranipet districts. The program began in November 2023 in Erode district, and 13.06 lakh people were screened. Of these, 8.43 lakh individuals have been tested, and 106 new cancer cases have been identified and are currently being treated.
"Based on these results, the chief minister has directed that similar cancer screening programmes be implemented across all revenue districts in Tamil Nadu for individuals over 18 years. Additionally, Rs 27 crore initiative has been announced in the financial report for early detection and treatment of cervical, breast, and oral cancers, which will soon be rolled out statewide," said the health minister.