Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurates cutting-edge radiotherapy technology to strengthen oncology services for Armed Forces personnel and veterans
Army Hospital (Research & Referral) has commissioned a state-of-the-art Ring Gantry-based Linear Accelerator in its Department of Radiation Oncology, marking a major advancement in cancer treatment services within the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).
The advanced radiation oncology technology was formally inaugurated on May 25, 2026, in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh. The installation is expected to significantly strengthen cancer care facilities at the premier military hospital and improve access to advanced radiotherapy for serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their dependents.
According to the official press release, the newly commissioned Linear Accelerator will enhance the hospital’s in-house treatment capacity and support the growing patient load requiring specialised oncology care.
Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques Now Available at Army Hospital
The newly installed Linear Accelerator is capable of delivering several modern radiotherapy techniques, including:
- Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
The technology enables highly precise delivery of radiation directly to tumour sites while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision is expected to improve treatment outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance overall patient care.
Major Upgrade in Oncology Infrastructure Under AFMS
The procurement of the advanced Linear Accelerator represents a significant technological upgrade from the hospital’s previous radiation therapy equipment, which has now been decommissioned.
Officials stated that the induction of the new system is part of the ongoing modernisation of oncology services across the Armed Forces Medical Services. Other oncology centres under AFMS are also being upgraded in a phased manner to improve cancer treatment infrastructure for Defence personnel nationwide.
Senior officials present during the inauguration included Arti Sarin and Avinash Das, along with other senior Armed Forces officials.
Expansion of Advanced Healthcare Facilities at Army Hospital (R&R)
Earlier, Rajnath Singh had laid the foundation stones for new Ophthalmology, Oncology, and Joint Replacement Centres at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) during the 262nd Army Medical Corps Raising Day celebrations.
The upcoming facilities are aimed at enhancing tertiary healthcare capabilities of AFMS, particularly in advanced eye care, cancer treatment, and complex joint replacement surgeries.
Additionally, new infrastructure at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt is being developed with a capacity of 998 beds along with 100 additional crisis expansion beds to address routine as well as emergency healthcare requirements of Defence Forces personnel.
