In a significant step towards strengthening cancer care infrastructure in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday directed officials to expedite the installation of a state-of-the-art PET-CT scanner at the Ambala Cancer Hospital, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to making advanced diagnostic facilities more accessible and affordable for cancer patients.
The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in Chandigarh, where senior officials of the Health Department reviewed the progress of the proposed project and discussed the roadmap for establishing the advanced imaging facility.
Health Minister Anil Vij was also present during the meeting.
The discussions focused on ensuring that cancer patients across Haryana receive timely, high-quality diagnostic services without having to travel outside the state or incur excessive medical expenses. The proposed installation of a modern PET-CT scanner is expected to significantly improve the early detection, staging and monitoring of various types of cancers, enabling doctors to provide more precise and effective treatment.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Saini stressed that access to advanced healthcare should not become a financial burden for patients. He directed the Health Department to ensure that the PET-CT scanning services are made available at affordable rates so that people from all sections of society can benefit from the facility.
Recognising the importance of timely implementation, the Chief Minister instructed officials to prepare the complete tender conditions within the next 15 days and submit them for approval without delay. He also directed the department to accelerate all administrative and technical procedures required for the procurement and installation of the cutting-edge PET-CT scanner.
Officials informed the Chief Minister about the proposed technical specifications, operational framework and implementation timeline of the project. Various aspects relating to digital integration, patient convenience, service delivery and long-term maintenance of the equipment were also reviewed to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards of modern cancer diagnostics.
PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) is regarded as one of the most advanced diagnostic technologies in oncology. By combining metabolic imaging with high-resolution anatomical imaging, it enables doctors to detect cancer at an early stage, accurately determine the extent of disease, monitor the effectiveness of treatment and identify recurrence with greater precision.
The installation of the facility at Ambala Cancer Hospital is expected to reduce the dependence of patients on private diagnostic centres and hospitals outside Haryana, resulting in substantial savings in both time and treatment costs. The move is also likely to strengthen the state’s public healthcare network by making advanced cancer diagnostics available closer to patients’ homes.
The initiative forms part of the Haryana Government’s broader strategy to modernise healthcare infrastructure through technology-driven medical services, improved diagnostic capabilities and patient-centric reforms. The government has consistently emphasised expanding access to specialised healthcare while leveraging digital technologies to improve efficiency and service delivery.
By directing the swift installation of the PET-CT scanner and ensuring affordable access to advanced diagnostic services, the Chief Minister has underscored the government’s focus on enhancing cancer care, strengthening public health institutions and improving treatment outcomes for patients across Haryana.
