Army Hospital (R&R) Gets Advanced Linear Accelerator to Boost Cancer Care for Armed Forces

The newly commissioned Linear Accelerator is designed to deliver cutting-edge radiotherapy techniques that are widely regarded as among the most effective and precise methods for treating cancer.

In a major boost to military healthcare infrastructure, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, has commissioned a state-of-the-art Ring Gantry-based Linear Accelerator in its Department of Radiation Oncology. The advanced cancer treatment system was formally inaugurated in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on May 25, 2026, marking a significant step towards the modernisation of oncology services within the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

The induction of the advanced radiotherapy equipment is expected to substantially improve cancer treatment facilities for serving armed forces personnel, veterans, and their dependents by enabling access to highly precise and technologically advanced radiation therapy within the Army healthcare network.

The newly commissioned Linear Accelerator is designed to deliver cutting-edge radiotherapy techniques that are widely regarded as among the most effective and precise methods for treating cancer. These include Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS).

These advanced treatment modalities allow doctors to target cancerous tumours with exceptional accuracy while minimising radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and critical organs. The technology significantly improves treatment precision, reduces side effects, shortens therapy duration in certain cases, and enhances overall patient outcomes.

Medical experts note that modern radiotherapy systems such as Ring Gantry-based Linear Accelerators are increasingly becoming essential in comprehensive cancer care due to their ability to support personalised treatment planning and complex tumour targeting. The system integrates advanced imaging and radiation delivery mechanisms that help clinicians monitor tumour positioning in real time during treatment sessions.

The commissioning of the new Linear Accelerator also represents a major technological upgrade over the hospital's previous radiotherapy system, which has now been decommissioned after years of service. Officials stated that the replacement forms part of a broader strategy to modernise healthcare infrastructure across the Armed Forces Medical Services.

Army Hospital (R&R), one of India's premier tertiary care military hospitals, handles a large volume of cancer patients from across the armed forces community. The installation of the advanced equipment is expected to strengthen the hospital's in-house treatment capacity and reduce dependence on external referrals for specialised radiation oncology procedures.

The Defence Ministry highlighted that cancer care has emerged as an increasingly important component of military healthcare due to rising incidences of non-communicable diseases and the need for long-term specialised treatment support for personnel and veterans. The modernisation of oncology facilities is therefore being prioritised to ensure access to world-class treatment within the defence healthcare ecosystem.

The Armed Forces Medical Services have been steadily expanding and upgrading oncology centres across the country in a phased manner. Officials indicated that additional military hospitals are also expected to receive modern cancer treatment technologies in the coming years as part of the broader healthcare modernisation initiative.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Commandant of Army Hospital (R&R) Lieutenant General Avinash Das, senior military medical officials, oncologists, healthcare specialists, and defence representatives.

Healthcare experts say the adoption of advanced radiotherapy technologies reflects the growing emphasis on precision medicine and technology-driven cancer care in India. Techniques such as IMRT and IGRT have become globally recognised standards in oncology because they allow clinicians to adapt treatment to tumour shape, size, and movement with significantly improved accuracy.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery are especially valuable in treating small, well-defined tumours and complex cases involving the brain, spine, lungs, and liver. These techniques deliver highly concentrated radiation doses over fewer sessions, improving patient convenience and treatment efficiency.

The installation also aligns with India's broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure under ongoing medical modernisation initiatives. Advanced cancer care systems are increasingly being integrated into both civilian and military healthcare institutions to address growing healthcare demands and improve treatment accessibility.

Defence officials stated that strengthening healthcare infrastructure for armed forces personnel remains a key priority, especially in specialised medical fields such as oncology, trauma care, cardiology, and rehabilitation medicine. The integration of modern medical technologies is expected to improve healthcare outcomes and ensure high-quality treatment standards for military personnel and their families.

The commissioning of the Ring Gantry-based Linear Accelerator marks another milestone in India's efforts to enhance defence healthcare capabilities while ensuring that soldiers and veterans receive advanced, timely, and accessible medical treatment.