New Delhi: The radiotherapy unit at the Safdarjung Hospital which was closed for not complying with the directives of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) on safety measures has reopened.

The radiotherapy services resumed on August 28 evening.

"The radiotherapy services have resumed. We have procured the AERB permission to use this machine for the treatment of patients suffering from cancer. Around ten patients have started undergoing therapy since it was opened," Dr A K Rai, the medical superintendent said.

The treatment facility for cancer was asked by the AERB to shut down for not complying with the board's directives on safety measures in November 2015.

The hospital does not have a treatment planning system (TPS) for precise administration of dosage and has been using cobalt-60 machines for radiotherapy services for the last several years.

Every year, India reports around 11 lakh new cancer cases and five lakh deaths due to lack of treatment or delayed diagnosis.