Three years on, Ambala cancer patients still wait for PET-CT facility

Three years after its announcement, cancer patients in Ambala are still waiting for the much-needed PET-CT (positron emission tomography and computed tomography) scan facility at the Atal Cancer Care Centre in Ambala Cantonment.

What is PET-CT scan…

A PET-CT scan combines positron emission tomography and computed tomography to detect cancer, assess its spread, and plan treatment. It can spot cancer at early stages, improving survival chances.

The Tertiary Care Cancer Centre, inaugurated in May 2022 at the Civil Hospital premises by BJP national president JP Nadda, was to be equipped with two advanced machines — PET-CT and SPECT scan — at a cost of Rs 34 crore, as announced by then Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. But the project remains stuck in the planning stage.

An official from the Health Department stressed the importance of the PET-CT facility, saying it is “essential for detecting cancer in its early stages.” In its absence, patients have to travel to Chandigarh or private hospitals to get the test done which is a costly affair.

The cancer centre receives around 1,500 OPD patients a month, with 2,000 registered cancer patients undergoing treatment — many of whom require PET-CT scans to assess the extent and spread of the disease.

Sources said during a recent meeting, Cabinet Minister Anil Vij expressed displeasure over the delay and directed officials to “complete the formalities and float the tender soon.” The project, first announced over three years ago, has faced delays due to rising equipment costs, changing technical specifications, and procedural hurdles.

One proposal under consideration is a turnkey model, where construction, equipment installation, and furnishing would be handled by a single contractor.

Dr Arun Singla, MD Nuclear Medicine at the centre, said: “PET-CT scanning plays an important role in the diagnosis, staging, assessment of cancer, and deciding the line of treatment. It shows how advanced a cancer is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. We can detect cancer at the initial stage with the help of this machine. Currently, the patients who require the facility go to PGI Chandigarh and other institutions, and then the treatment is provided here.”

He said, “A PET-CT and a SPECT scan machine are to be installed here at the cancer centre for which regular meetings are being held by the department. The facility will come as a big respite for the cancer patients of the region. The Cabinet Minister has also issued instructions that the latest machines should be installed here, and to expedite the project.”

Deputy Medical Superintendent and Nodal Officer for construction Vinay Goel said, “The installation of PET-CT scan machine project is the second-phase of the Cancer Centre for which a separate building is to be constructed. The land for the building has been identified by the chief architect, on the premises of the civil hospital, and the matter is at the headquarter level. We are hopeful that the tender will be floated soon and the work will begin.”