Health Minister Launches Rs 42 Crore Advanced Cancer Treatment Equipment at KGH Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav inaugurated advanced cancer treatment equipment worth Rs 42 crore at the King George Hospital (KGH) Cancer Center. The facilities include a Linear Accelerator (Rs 25 crore), a CT Simulator (Rs 9.5 crore), and HDR Brachytherapy equipment (Rs 7.5 crore), aimed at providing modern cancer care to North Andhra patients.

Minister Yadav stressed the state government’s commitment to providing modern medical services. “With these facilities, cancer patients will no longer need to travel to other states for treatment,” he said.

In an emotional address, the Minister shared his personal losses: three family members—his mother, brother, and sister—succumbed to cancer. “These incidents have deeply affected me, which is why I am fighting against the cancer epidemic as a public representative,” he said.

According to the 2022 ICMR survey, India recorded 15 lakh new cancer cases, with 8.84 lakh deaths. Andhra Pradesh alone saw 73,000 cancer cases, and WHO data reports 42,000 deaths in the state.

The state has set up cancer centers in strategic locations: Kurnool for Rayalaseema, Guntur for Level 1 cancer care, and the newly equipped Visakhapatnam center for the Godavari districts. Phase two plans include centers in Anantapur and Kakinada, aiming for one center every 50 kilometers by 2031.

With Rs 350 crore allocated to cancer eradication programs, Andhra Pradesh plans to train 18,000 ASHA workers to conduct screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancers.

Film actress Gautami has been appointed as an advisor to the cancer prevention program, supporting outreach and awareness campaigns.