HC pushes for approval of Liner accelator at GMC Nagpur

Nagpur: Following the delay over the lack of cancer treatment infrastructure in the state, the Maharashtra government has informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that it will issue fresh administrative approval within three weeks for the long-pending installation of a linear accelerator machine at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, regardless of the increased costs. 

According to the news reports, a division bench comprising Justices Avinash Gharote and Abhay Mantri directed the Medical Education and Drugs Department, GMCH Dean, and the Maharashtra Medical Goods Procurement Authority to begin the procurement process immediately and to complete it within four weeks of receiving administrative clearance. The court emphasized that procurement orders must be placed immediately upon receiving administrative approval.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that, granting relief to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently stayed the National Medical Commission's (NMC) order of halting admissions to five seats in the MD (Radiation Oncology) course. The Apex Medical Commission had halted the admissions due to infrastructural deficiencies such as a non-functioning Brachytherapy machine and the absence of a linear accelerator, which was under procurement.

Also Read: HC Stays NMC Order to halt MD Radiation Oncology Admissions at GMCH Nagpur, Lauds AIIMS for Helping institute

As per recent media reports by TOI, "This has already dragged on too long without any tangible outcome," the bench remarked, while directing authorities to also apply for all necessary licences from competent authorities within a week to avoid further procedural delays.Additional Government Pleader Deepak Thakare submitted a letter from the state dated May 6, stating that a new administrative nod would be issued within three weeks. "Whatever the cost may be, a new administrative approval for installation of the linear accelerator will be issued within the stipulated time," he told the court.

The linear accelerator machine, vital for modern radiation therapy in cancer treatment, was originally sanctioned at a cost of ₹23.20 crore. However, with a 35% tax imposed by the Central Government, the final cost surged to approximately ₹45 crore.

During an earlier hearing, court directed the state government to allocate an additional ₹25 crore to cover the funding shortfall.

The court also noted the disparity in healthcare access, pointing out that while Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar GMCH has two such machines, Nagpur lacks even one—significantly impacting cancer patients in the region.

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The court proceedings saw Senior Advocate Firdos Mirza appearing for the state, Anup Gilda assisting as amicus curiae, and Advocate Sudhir Puranik representing the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA). The matter has been posted for next hearing on June 10.