ONGC pledges ₹36.6 crore for cancer radiotherapy machine at Kakinada hospital

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has committed ₹36.6 crore for the procurement of a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine, which is essential for radiotherapy treatment of cancer patients at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The announcement was made through an official release by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who confirmed that the funding will be provided under ONGC's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The LINAC machine will be installed in a dedicated cancer block currently under construction at GGH Kakinada. The cancer block is being built at a cost of ₹7 crore with funding from the Indian Red Cross. According to the Deputy Chief Minister, the new equipment would benefit cancer patients from the Godavari districts as well as the Visakhapatnam region, where access to advanced radiotherapy has been limited.

In addition to the LINAC machine, a mobile cancer screening vehicle worth ₹3.5 crore will be launched soon by GGH Kakinada. This vehicle is expected to aid early detection of cancer in rural and underserved areas, improving timely intervention and treatment outcomes.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted permission for the installation of a radiotherapy bunker within the cancer block, where the LINAC machine will be housed. The AERB approval is a critical step, as it ensures compliance with safety standards for handling radiation equipment in medical settings. Mr. Kalyan expressed gratitude to ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh for the corporation's support in strengthening cancer care infrastructure in Kakinada.

The development comes at a time when cancer incidence in India is rising, and access to quality treatment remains a challenge in smaller cities and rural areas. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the number of new cancer cases in India is projected to increase in the coming years, highlighting the need for expanded treatment facilities. The availability of a LINAC machine in a government hospital like GGH Kakinada is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on patients who would otherwise need to travel to larger metropolitan centers like Hyderabad or Chennai for radiotherapy.

Government hospitals in Andhra Pradesh have been gradually upgrading their oncology departments, and this initiative is part of a broader effort to decentralize cancer care. The provision of the LINAC machine, along with the mobile screening vehicle, is anticipated to enhance both preventive and curative services in the region. Health experts note that early detection and timely radiotherapy are crucial in improving survival rates for various types of cancer, including breast, cervical, and oral cancers, which are prevalent in the state.

The ONGC's contribution underscores the role of public sector undertakings in supplementing government healthcare programs through CSR funds. While the exact timeline for the delivery and installation of the LINAC machine has not been specified, the AERB clearance marks a significant milestone in the project. Officials expect that once operational, the cancer block will be able to cater to a large number of patients who currently face long waiting periods for treatment.

Local residents and patient advocacy groups have welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that the new facility will reduce the need for out-of-pocket expenses on travel and accommodation. However, they also stress the importance of ensuring timely availability of trained medical personnel to operate the advanced equipment and provide comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy and palliative support.

Further details regarding the commissioning of the mobile cancer screening vehicle and the completion of the cancer block are awaited. The state government has not yet announced the names of oncologists or technical staff who will be recruited for the new unit. As the project progresses, transparency regarding procurement and installation schedules will be key to maintaining public trust.

The pledge by ONGC is a welcome step toward bridging the gap in cancer care infrastructure in the region. With continued collaboration between government bodies, public sector enterprises, and non-profit organizations, access to life-saving treatments can be made more equitable across India.