The disruption began in August last year after both sanctioned posts of radiotherapy technician at VIMSAR fell vacant, one following retirement and the other due to resignation. As radiation equipment can only be operated by trained and certified technicians, the Radiotherapy department has been unable to resume services in the absence of qualified staff.
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Speaking to TNIE, sources said VIMSAR serves as the main referral centre for cancer patients from several districts of western Odisha. As per official records, while around 1,200 new cancer cases were reported at the institute in 2017, the number has risen to nearly 2,000 annually by 2025. In addition, nearly 4,000 to 5,000 patients visit the hospital every year for follow-up care. Before the services were halted, an average of 30 to 40 patients underwent radiation therapy at VIMSAR daily. With government services unavailable, patients are increasingly forced to seek private treatment, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses. Dr. Kabita Majhi of the Radiotherapy department said that in the past six months, several communications had been sent to the Health Department requesting the appointment of radiotherapy technicians, but they were still awaiting a response.
She informed that most of the cancer patients are unable to afford treatment outside the government system. However, some are availing radiation therapy at private facilities under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, reports TNIE.
Doctors have expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in restoring radiation services, warning that interruptions in time-sensitive cancer treatment can significantly compromise patient outcomes. They also pointed to the limited availability of trained radiotherapy technicians in Odisha as a systemic issue contributing to the crisis.
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Currently, the radiotherapy technician course is offered only at Acharya Harihar Postgraduate Institute of Cancer in Cuttack with Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approval. Experts have urged the introduction of such courses at VIMSAR to ensure continuity of services and prevent further disruption.
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