Ayushman Bharat: Robotic Radiation Therapy for Cancer Patients at GCRI, Ahmedabad
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Synopsis
Ahmedabad's GCRI is revolutionizing cancer treatment with robotic radiation therapy, significantly enhancing care quality and reducing costs for patients, especially those under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Key Takeaways
- GCRI utilizes advanced robotic technology for cancer treatment.
- Exclusive facilities available only in Gujarat.
- Significant reduction in treatment costs.
- Ayushman Bharat card holders receive free treatment.
- Fast and efficient treatment options available.
Ahmedabad, Feb 4 (NationPress) In an effort to combat life-threatening diseases such as cancer, the government is making significant strides in providing advanced treatments. The Gujarat Cancer and Research Center (GCRI) in Ahmedabad is pioneering a transformative approach to cancer care by utilizing robot-assisted radiation therapy to target and eliminate cancerous growths.
To facilitate this, the institute has invested in cutting-edge equipment, including three linear accelerators, one Cobalt (Bhabhatron), one Iridium (microSelectron), a 4D CT simulator, and a conventional X-ray simulator, totaling an investment of Rs 95 crore. A skilled team of doctors and technicians is dedicated to patient care.
The state's Health Department reports that Gujarat is the only state in India offering such facilities in a government hospital. Robot-assisted surgeries are also being performed at the Civil Hospital. The Cyberknife radiosurgery machine, valued at Rs 38 crore, is capable of targeting cancerous lumps ranging from 5 mm to 3 cm with minimal side effects. Notably, this machine is exclusive to GCRI in Gujarat, making it a unique offering in the nation. Moreover, GCRI provides advanced technologies such as TrueBeam Linac and Tomotherapy.
The Cyberknife radiosurgery technique effectively treats cancerous masses in sensitive areas like the brain, lungs, liver, spinal cord, and prostate by delivering high doses of radiation while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. Techniques such as Stereotactic Radio Surgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) allow for precise targeting of tumors, enabling treatments to be completed in just one to five days, thus minimizing hospital stays.
The TrueBeam Linear Accelerator's RapidArc technology specifically targets diseases like breast, prostate, lung, and head and neck cancers, adapting treatment to the patient’s respiratory patterns, which reduces side effects and protects other organs.
Tomotherapy treats tumors in layers, effectively managing dosage levels, making it particularly useful for large or complex tumors, and is especially beneficial for childhood cancer and recurrent cancer cases.
This innovative technology has also significantly lowered treatment costs. While previous treatments could cost up to Rs 5 lakh, the price has now dropped to just Rs 75,000. Importantly, holders of the Ayushman card can access this treatment at no charge, providing essential support to economically disadvantaged populations.
Dr. Vinay Tiwari from GCRI stated, "The treatment is entirely free for Ayushman card holders. For others, the cost is still economical at only Rs 75,000, compared to private hospitals where charges range from Rs 2 lakh to 5 lakh. Treatment here can be completed in one to five days, whereas other methods may take one and a half to two weeks."
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, has become a crucial resource for many families in India, allowing them to receive free medical care for serious health issues in both public and private healthcare facilities.
This initiative alleviates the financial strain of healthcare, ensuring that even the most economically challenged citizens can access life-saving treatments.
