JNMC installs Saginova HDR Brachytherapy Machine

Aligarh: A new ultra-modern Saginova HDR Brachytherapy Machine to effectively treat cervical, prostate, breast, oesophagal and skin cancer and tumours in many other body sites has been installed in the Department of Radiotherapy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

The new state-of-art machine, manufactured by Eckert Zeiglar, Germany has replaced the MicroSelection HDR machine, which was operational in the department since 2005.

“JNMC focuses on providing the best available technology for treatments and elaborating latest treatment standards with new application techniques. Cancer treatment requires strategy, multidisciplinary collaboration and technical support. We rely on state-of-the-art equipment in order to be able to contribute to improve our patients’ quality of life,” said AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor.

Prof Shahid Ali Siddiqui, Principal, JNMC said that since the new Saginova HDR Machine has an inbuilt radiation safety device, it is safe for health workers and patients.

He pointed out that the radiation source used in this machine has a longer life and treatment interruption for change of source is not required.

Prof Haris Mansoor, Medical Superintendent added that JNMC follows all due measures including the proper screening of patients in line with the World Health Organisation guidelines to ensure the safety of patients and health workers.

Despite the lockdown amid the COVID 19 outbreak, the Department of Radiotherapy took due care of the cancer patients through e-consultation and telemedicine services. The OPD and day-care services in the department have been running for limited hours daily since May 12. Meanwhile, the regular radiotherapy services have also resumed from May 29 and 30 patients daily are being attended. The number of patients getting treated in regular services will gradually increase with improvements in the situation.