The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur has significantly advanced its nuclear medicine capabilities by installing an automated radio synthesizer and Gallium generator. With this upgrade, AIIMS Raipur becomes the only government hospital in Chhattisgarh to offer in-house production of next-generation PET radiotracers, marking a major leap in precision diagnostics.
Expanding Access to Next-Generation PET Imaging
As reported by TOI, the Department of Nuclear Medicine now provides state-of-the-art PET-based imaging services, crucial for the early diagnosis, accurate staging, and personalised treatment of various cancers and systemic diseases. The department can now produce and utilise a range of specialised radiotracers, including:
- PSMA PET for detecting prostate cancer
- DOTA PET for imaging neuroendocrine tumours and guiding Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT)
- FAPI PET for identifying cancers with low FDG uptake and fibrotic conditions
- Exendin PET for pinpointing insulinomas with high accuracy
Enhancing Diagnostic Precision and Efficiency
Dr. Mudalsha Ravina, Associate Professor and Head of Nuclear Medicine, noted that these radiotracers significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy, especially in complex, multi-system diseases. According to Prof. (Dr.) Renu Rajguru, Medical Superintendent and Head of ENT, the ability to produce tracers on-site will increase patient throughput, reduce dependency on external suppliers, and enable faster treatment decisions.
Driving Innovation in Cancer Theranostics
Dr. Shobhana Raju, Assistant Professor of Nuclear Medicine, highlighted that the newly available Gallium-labelled tracers will usher in a new era of cancer theranostics, promoting research and enabling personalised treatments for cancers such as prostate, gastrointestinal, and breast malignancies. Sai Shiv Narayan, Medical Physicist, emphasized that automation ensures consistent tracer quality, improved radiation safety, and streamlined clinical workflow.
Equipped with Cutting-Edge Technology
The department features a comprehensive suite of high-end technologies, including:
- PET-CT and SPECT-CT
- Radioiodine uptake probe
- Robotic navigation for PET-guided biopsies
- Facilities for low-dose and high-dose therapies
Additionally, AIIMS Raipur runs an MD programme in nuclear medicine, training future specialists in this rapidly evolving field.
Commitment to Affordable and Specialised Care
Lt. Gen. Ashok Jindal (Retd.), Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Raipur, affirmed that this infrastructure enhancement reflects the institute’s dedication to providing affordable, advanced, and high-quality diagnostics to the people of central India. He also noted that the facility strengthens the hospital’s growing capabilities in oncology and metabolic disease management.
Through this development, AIIMS Raipur reinforces its role as a leader. It brings cutting-edge medical technology and personalised care to underserved regions.