Bhubaneswar: The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar has achieved a major milestone in India’s healthcare and nuclear medicine advancement with the ground-breaking ceremony of its Medical Cyclotron, Nuclear Medicine Hospital, and Centre for Medical & Radiation Physics. The landmark event was held on the NISER campus and attended by Dr. Ajit K. Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
DAE Secretary Dr. Ajit Mohanty Leads the Ceremony
Dr. Ajit K. Mohanty, who graced the occasion, is a noted nuclear physicist with a distinguished career spanning decades. Born on October 11, 1959, he previously served as Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) from March 2019 to September 2023 and has made significant contributions to nuclear physics research across global institutions.
Career Contributions in Global Research Institutions
Dr. Mohanty’s work ranges from studies on sub-Coulomb barrier collision energies to high-energy relativistic regimes. His contributions extend to major international projects, including the Pelletron accelerator at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), and the Phénix and CMS experiments at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), USA, and CERN, Geneva.
NISER Highlights Ceremony on Social Media
Sharing the event details on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), NISER described the ceremony as “a major step in advancing India’s capabilities in nuclear medicine and cancer diagnostics.” The institute also shared images from the event, highlighting the presence of Dr. Mohanty and other dignitaries from DAE and the Odisha government.
A Boost to Cancer Research and Diagnostics
The upcoming Medical Cyclotron and Nuclear Medicine Hospital aim to significantly enhance India’s diagnostic and therapeutic capacities, particularly in cancer treatment. These facilities will strengthen research collaboration in medical physics and promote advanced clinical applications in nuclear medicine.
Support from DAE and Odisha Government
According to reports, the projects are being jointly supported by the Department of Atomic Energy and the Odisha state government. The infrastructure development is expected to be completed within the next three to four years, providing a cutting-edge hub for medical and radiation research in eastern India.
Part of India’s Larger Healthcare Expansion Effort
The ceremony aligns with India’s broader strategy to expand advanced healthcare facilities and research centers. Recently, the state of Odisha has witnessed multiple healthcare investments aimed at improving medical access and technology, including the establishment of high-end cancer treatment and diagnostic centers.
Healthcare Growth Momentum in Odisha Continues
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several major health projects in Odisha worth over ₹3,000 crore, including super-specialty hospital upgrades and cancer treatment units. The NISER initiative adds another significant chapter to the state’s growing role in India’s scientific and medical innovation ecosystem.
