Key Facts
The Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of the High Energy Medical Cyclotron Project (HEMCP) in Nagpur with a budget of ₹300 crore. The decision was taken in the state cabinet meeting on June 16, 2026. The project aims to enhance cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research by ensuring local availability of radioisotopes for PET-CT and nuclear medicine services.
Project Details
The project will be implemented through Mahacare (Maharashtra Cancer Care, Research and Education Foundation). A separate subsidiary will be created to manage the HEMCP, positioning Nagpur as a radiopharmaceutical innovation hub for Central India. The state has approved 30 hectares of land at Bhansoli (Kinhi) in Hingna taluka for the facility.
Funding and Implementation
The Medical Education Department and Industries Department will share the funding equally on a 50-50 basis. Funds will be allocated for land acquisition, construction, machinery, and human resources after the final project report is prepared. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Companies Act 2013 will be formed for implementation. The Commissioner of the Medical Education Department will serve as Chairman, the Development Commissioner of the Industries Department as Co-Chairman, and the CEO of the SPV as Member Secretary.
Impact on Healthcare
Nagpur was chosen because of its strategic location and existing medical infrastructure, including AIIMS, the National Cancer Institute, and the Government Medical College. A Medical Education and Drugs department official said, "Nagpur is selected as a beneficiary within a radius of about 500 kilometres in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh can benefit from this project. Nagpur is an ideal centre for this project as it has AIIMS, National Cancer Institute and Government Medical College and reduces the dependency on Mumbai and Hyderabad."
What Readers Should Know
- The cyclotron will produce radioisotopes locally, reducing dependence on distant cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad.
- Patients from five states will have improved access to advanced cancer diagnostics.
- The project is expected to boost medical research and innovation in radiopharmaceuticals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the High Energy Medical Cyclotron Project?
It is a ₹300 crore project approved by the Maharashtra government to produce radioisotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment, to be set up in Nagpur.
Where will the cyclotron be located?
The project will come up on 30 hectares of land at Bhansoli (Kinhi) in Hingna taluka, Nagpur district.
Which areas will benefit from this project?
The project will serve a 500 km radius covering Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
How will the project be funded?
The Medical Education Department and Industries Department will fund it on a 50-50 basis.
Source: www.thehindu.com