In a significant boost to the healthcare infrastructure of Jammu & Kashmir, the State Government is set to procure a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) for the State Cancer Institute at SKIMS (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences), marking a new era in cancer treatment for the region. The LINAC, which integrates advanced imaging technology such as CT Scanners or MRI, is capable of delivering high-energy X-rays and electron beams to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, all while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Speaking about this important development, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, highlighted the government’s commitment to providing world-class medical services to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. “The health sector is a priority for the Government, and we are determined to provide state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to the people here,” Sakina stated. She further emphasized that the acquisition of the LINAC is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance cancer treatment facilities across the region.
“With this initiative, we are taking a major step forward in cancer care in Jammu & Kashmir. This advanced technology will greatly improve the treatment outcomes for cancer patients in the region. It will also provide much-needed relief to families who previously had to travel outside the state for such specialized treatment,” she added.
The LINAC machine, which will be procured under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) through the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL), will be installed at SKIMS for an estimated cost of Rs. 29 crore.
This development is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on families, especially those from economically weaker sections, who previously had to bear high travel and treatment costs outside the state. The establishment of this facility in Jammu & Kashmir will not only improve access to advanced cancer care but also enhance the quality of life for many patients undergoing treatment.
Sakina Itoo further stressed that the LINAC will play a key role in achieving higher rates of cancer cure by enabling more precise and effective radiation therapy. This acquisition is a crucial part of the government’s ongoing efforts to transform Jammu & Kashmir’s healthcare sector and ensure that patients have access to the best possible medical technologies and treatment options.
Jammu Tourism Packages & Real Estate Opportunities
The improvement in healthcare services is expected to complement the growing tourism and real estate sectors in Jammu & Kashmir. For those interested in exploring the region’s tourism offerings, which now include health-focused tourism, various tourism packages are available. Additionally, the growing interest in both healthcare and tourism makes Jammu & Kashmir a prime location for real estate investments, with property listings catering to diverse needs.
