AGARTALA, August 24 (TIWN): In order to ensure better facility in the Agartala Cancer Hospital, cancer specialist from AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science) Delhi and TATA Memorial Hospital of Mumbai is scheduled to visit the state today for the technical evaluation of the machines in the hospital.

The team of doctors, scheduled to stay in the state till August 26 will be lead by GK Rath.

The Agartala Cancer Hospital was established in the year 1980 with OPD service only to cater to the cancer patients of Tripura state. The hospital was recognized as Regional Cancer Centre by the MoHFW in March, 2008.

With an aim to provide better treatment to the people of the state spending Rs. 3 crore indigenously made 'Bhabhatron' machine that provides external radiotherapy to cancer patients was set up.

On the account of Regional Cancer Centre Grant Rs. 5 crore, Gamma camera installed for treatment, diagnosis and monitoring of cancer and other diseases.

Besides, Simulator and TPS (Treatment Planning System) were also installed.

Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar, unveiled the sophisticated 'Bhabhatron' machine developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) on April 21, 2008. For the up gradation of infrastructure to treat cancer needs to be developed and expanded across the country, especially in the rural areas.

Kakodkar, as a gift present a Brachytherapy Machine from Atomic Energy Department.

Recently, the Indian Government under the state Cancer Institute Project altogether approved Rs. 120 crore. From the total amount of Rs. 120 crore, Rs. 55 crore has been released.

Under this project altogether it is expected that total 17 machine will be brought to the hospital.

The machine which will be brought includes, High and Low energy, Linear Accelerator Machine, MRI, CT Scan, Digital mammography, Digital X-Ray, tools for Modular Operation Theatre and others.

However, to operate the machines the Hospital is asking for technicians who will be with the hospital for the rest of 5-year. As the machines are highly advance, the persons should take care of the machines properly otherwise the hospital is going to face many problems.

To set the machines properly altogether two new building will be constructed. One will be of seven storeys, on the ground and first floor the heavy machines will be set up. Besides, the laboratory will be set up on the second floor.

However, on the third and fourth floor will be the other facilities and on the sixth floor there will be operation theatre.

Besides, the Radio Therapy machines will be installed in another building. However, the branches of the hospital will be increase to 50.

At present, over120 patients were given ray; camo is being given to over 60 patients and from 20 to 40 patients comes to the hospital for supportive care.