Guwahati, Aug. 30 -- The Assam cabinet on Sunday approved purchase of a proton beam therapy unit for cancer treatment at a cost of Rs.600 crore.

Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that once the unit is set up at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Assam will be the first state in the country to have this facility in the public healthcare sector.

"Proton beam therapy is one of the most advanced form of treatments for cancer. World Bank will provide us a loan of Rs.315 crore for this and state government would spend Rs.285 crore," he said.

"Assam will be the first state in the country to have a proton beam therapy unit in the public health care sector. At present the treatment is available at two private hospitals in Mumba...