VIMSAR Burla Radiation Therapy halted for six months, patients left in limbo

Sambalpur: Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, has suspended radiation therapy services for the past six months due to the absence of qualified radiotherapy technicians, forcing cancer patients from western Odisha to seek private treatment, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses.

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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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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