Maharashtra Strengthens Cancer Care with ₹300 Crore Cyclotron Project

Maharashtra Approves High-Energy Medical Cyclotron Project

Maharashtra Strengthens Cancer Care with ₹300 Crore Cyclotron Project: The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the establishment of the High-Energy Medical Cyclotron Project (HEMCP) in Nagpur with an investment of ₹300 crore. The project aims to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment by ensuring the local production of radioisotopes, which are essential for PET-CT scans, nuclear medicine, and targeted cancer therapies.

The project will reduce dependence on distant cities for radiopharmaceutical supplies and improve access to advanced cancer care across Central India.

Static GK fact: Nuclear medicine is a specialized branch of medical science that uses radioactive substances for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, particularly cancer and heart disorders.

Why the Cyclotron Project Is Important

A cyclotron is a particle accelerator that produces radioactive isotopes used in medical imaging and cancer treatment. Since many radioisotopes have a very short half-life, they must be produced close to healthcare facilities to ensure timely use.

The new facility will function as a Radiopharmaceutical Innovation Hub, supplying critical isotopes to hospitals and research institutions. This will improve the availability of advanced diagnostic services while supporting medical research and innovation.

Why Nagpur Was Selected

Nagpur’s central location makes it an ideal site for the project. The facility will serve patients within a radius of nearly 500 kilometres, benefiting parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

The city already houses premier medical institutions such as the Government Medical College (GMC), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, which will directly benefit from improved access to radiopharmaceuticals.

Static GK Tip: Nagpur is popularly known as the “Orange City” of India and is considered the geographical centre of the country due to the Zero Mile Stone located in the city.

Project Implementation Framework

The project will be implemented through the state-owned company Mahacare using a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed under the Companies Act, 2013. Until the SPV is established, a steering committee headed by Shrikar Pardeshi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, will oversee implementation.

The project is expected to boost indigenous radiopharmaceutical production, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and promote research in nuclear medicine.

Maharashtra Rural Drinking Water Policy 2026

Alongside the healthcare initiative, the Cabinet also approved the Maharashtra Rural Drinking Water Policy 2026 to ensure sustainable drinking water supply in rural areas. The policy supports the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 by focusing on long-term operation and maintenance of rural water supply schemes.

It proposes SCADA-based monitoring, GIS dashboards, and dedicated corpus funds at different administrative levels. Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) will receive priority in water billing and maintenance activities.

Static GK fact: Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household in India through safe and adequate drinking water supply.

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Maharashtra Strengthens Cancer Care with ₹300 Crore Cyclotron Project: