Cancer patients being treated at Delhi's government run Delhi State Cancer Institute, or DSCI, have got a major relief as the hospital has now started an advanced radiation technique called brachytherapy completely free of cost. This procedure, which used to be available mostly at private hospitals, often left patients paying huge amounts out of pocket.
First case completed on July 9
DSCI successfully completed its first brachytherapy case on July 9, 2026, marking the start of this facility inside the hospital. Once the case was completed, the hospital rolled out the service as a regular offering for patients. The move is seen as an important step toward giving cancer patients access to advanced, precise and quality treatment.
What exactly is brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy, but unlike conventional radiation therapy, the radiation source itself is placed inside the tumour or right next to it. This allows a far more effective dose of radiation to reach the cancerous tissue while causing minimal damage to the healthy tissue around it. Doctors note that this technique works particularly well in the treatment of cervical cancer, endometrial cancer and certain other selected cancers.
Doctors call it a big achievement
Dr Savita Arora, Link Officer to Director at the institute, said the service was launched after the treatment proved successful, calling it a major achievement for DSCI. She said the launch of this service means cancer patients will now get safe and timely treatment, and that complete cancer care will be available under one roof instead of patients having to run between different centres.
Patients will no longer need referrals elsewhere
Dr Pragya Shukla, Head of the Department of Clinical Oncology, said brachytherapy has become an integral part of modern radiation oncology. She explained that with this facility now available again at DSCI, many patients will be able to get extremely precise, scientifically backed treatment right here, without being referred to other centres as used to happen earlier.
Up to Rs 3 lakh charged in private hospitals
Dr Shukla also said that while this medical facility is completely free at DSCI, patients undergoing the same therapy at private hospitals can end up paying up to Rs 3 lakh for multiple sessions. That is why the start of this service at a government hospital is being seen as a big relief for cancer patients and their families.
A dedicated team will run the service
The facility at the hospital will not depend on a single doctor but will be run by a dedicated team that includes experienced radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation technologists, anaesthesia specialists and nursing staff. It is the coordination among all these specialists that will ensure patients get safe and accurate treatment.
