In a significant development for healthcare infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has entered into a strategic partnership with Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy to establish a state-of-the-art oncology and advanced diagnostic centre. This new facility will be located at the cancer OPD block of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Aligarh, marking a major step forward in cancer care accessibility for the region.
Formalizing the Collaboration
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by key university officials. AMU Registrar Prof Aasim Zafar and Molecular Diagnostics CEO Mohit Gupta put their signatures on the document, solidifying the partnership. The signing took place in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon, Radiotherapy Department Chairman Prof Mohammad Akram, and other senior university representatives.
Commitment to Accessible Healthcare
Vice Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon emphasized the university's dedication to improving healthcare access through this initiative. "This partnership reflects AMU's commitment to making advanced and affordable healthcare accessible to the people of Aligarh and neighbouring districts," she stated. "By combining academic excellence with cutting-edge technology, the university aims to ensure world-class cancer diagnosis and treatment are available closer to home."
Practical Implementation Focus
Prof Mohammad Akram, Chairman of the Radiotherapy Department, highlighted the practical aspects of the collaboration. "The real value of this MoU lies in its implementation," he explained. "It will strengthen clinical services, enhance training opportunities for students and residents, and create a sustainable model of academia–healthcare collaboration that benefits both patients and the wider community."
Advanced Technological Infrastructure
The new centre will feature several groundbreaking medical technologies that represent firsts for North India:
- A new-age digital radiotherapy platform based on advanced Linear Accelerator (LINAC) technology
- Digital PET/CT imaging facilities for early diagnosis of complex medical conditions
- Gamma camera imaging systems for comprehensive diagnostic capabilities
- Comprehensive radionuclide therapy services, including specialized treatment for thyroid cancer and other advanced oncological disorders
Academic and Research Integration
The initiative extends beyond clinical services to support academic development and research. The centre will serve as a hub for clinical research while providing AMU students and faculty with hands-on experience in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Importantly, this collaboration has been structured to preserve the university's academic autonomy while creating valuable learning opportunities.
Inclusive Healthcare Access
To ensure equitable access to quality healthcare, the centre will extend its services under various government health schemes, including:
- Ayushman Bharat
- Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
- Employees' State Insurance (ESI)
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
This comprehensive approach aims to make advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment available to a broad spectrum of patients, regardless of their economic background. The collaboration between AMU and Molecular Diagnostics represents a model for how academic institutions and healthcare providers can work together to address critical healthcare needs while advancing medical education and research capabilities.
