Hubballi: Brachytherapy Service Coming Soon to KMCRI, A First for State Hospitals

Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI), formerly known as KIMS, is set to introduce Brachytherapy services, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of esophageal and cervical cancer patients. Brachytherapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy used to treat various cancers, including gynecological and esophageal cancers.

KMCRI Director Dr. S.F. Kammar announced that this service would be available soon. According to sources, the new machine, procured at a cost of ₹6.5 crore, is the latest generation brachytherapy equipment.

Doctors have hailed the introduction of brachytherapy as a “landmark achievement, not only for KMCRI but also for the people of this region who have been suffering due to the lack of this crucial facility, which is essential for treating and monitoring cancer patients.”

KMCRI will become the first government medical college and hospital in the state, after Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, to offer brachytherapy. However, the institute currently lacks a PET scan facility, essential for detecting the spread of cancer throughout the body. Patients requiring PET scans will continue to be referred to Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. Doctors are currently relying on CT and MRI scans for treatment, but they note that a whole-body scan, which a PET scan provides, is not yet available at KMCRI.

KMCRI will celebrate its foundation day on September 6, with a series of events planned to mark the occasion. During a press conference, KMCRI Principal Dr. Ishwar Hosamani, along with Dr. Rajashekhar Dyaberi, Dr. Laxmikanth, and others, were present.