India Radiotherapy Market Overview, 2031

Key Insights

• The Indian radiotherapy market operates within a rapidly evolving healthcare system characterised by significant infrastructure deficits relative to cancer burden. An ICMR study published in 2025 found that only 28.5% of cancer patients currently receive radiotherapy, compared to the optimal utilisation rate of 58.4% based on clinical indications, creating substantial demand headroom .
• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) constitutes the largest therapy segment, with approximately 794 megavoltage machines (LINACs and cobalt units) currently available across 554 sites. However, India faces a 45% shortfall from the minimum WHO-recommended standard of one machine per million population, requiring 1,450–2,545 machines to meet clinical demand .
• Radiotherapy systems and equipment represent the largest offering segment, with the market historically import-dependent major international suppliers including Elekta, Varian Medical Systems, and Accuray dominate the installed base. However, domestic manufacturing is emerging through the "Make in India" initiative, with the Siddharth II LINAC now clinically approved and performing at levels comparable to imported systems .
• Hospitals and integrated cancer centres are the largest end-user segment, though equipment distribution is highly inequitable. Most LINACs are concentrated in private facilities in major cities, with approximately two-thirds of radiotherapy sites operating just one machine each . Only the third proton therapy centre in India is under development at AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad, representing an INR 800 crore investment .
• Regulatory oversight is provided by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board under the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004. Procurement of radiotherapy equipment requires AERB licensing through the e-LORA online portal, with stringent requirements for type approval, radiation safety protocols, and designated Radiation Safety Officers .

Market Outlook

• According to the research report, "India Radiotherapy Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the India Radiotherapy market is anticipated to grow at more than 10.61% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. This robust growth trajectory reflects the substantial infrastructure deficit currently less than half the optimal radiotherapy utilisation rate and significant government investment commitments.
• The market is expected to benefit from ICMR-recommended interventions to meet the gap in radiotherapy machines. The study published in BMC Cancer projects that India will require between 1,585 to 2,545 machines based on clinical indications, with current availability of only 794 units representing a substantial procurement pipeline . The incidence of breast v, head and neck, and lung cancers is projected to increase by 70–100% in low and middle-income countries, further driving demand .
• Technology modernisation is accelerating through domestic manufacturing advancement. The Siddharth II LINAC, developed by PMT Works in collaboration with SAMEER, CSIO, and PGI, has received AERB type approval and is now clinically validated, with dosimetric parameters comparable to established imported systems from Varian . The PLI scheme for medical devices has attracted investment from Panacea Medical Technologies for LINAC manufacturing .
• Advanced technology adoption is emerging in the private sector. AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad has signed a binding agreement with IBA for a Proteus®ONE compact proton therapy system valued at approximately EUR 35–45 million, representing an INR 800 crore investment. This is only the third proton therapy centre planned in India and the first in South Asia .
• Long-term growth is supported by demographic trends and sustained policy commitment. India accounts for 7% of global cancer incidence, ranking third after China and the USA, with projected cancer incidence reaching 1.57 million cases by 2025 . The "Make in India" push to produce indigenous LINACs aims to cut import reliance, reduce procurement and ongoing expenses, and accelerate delivery to underserved tier-2 and tier-3 towns .

Market Dynamics

Driver: Infrastructure Deficit and Government Investment Commitment
The primary driver of the Indian radiotherapy market is the substantial infrastructure deficit and sustained government commitment to address it. An ICMR study published in BMC Cancer found that India's optimal radiotherapy utilisation rate is 58.4%, yet current utilisation is only 28.5% less than half the required level . Breast, head and neck, lung, and cervical cancers account for 60% of India's radiotherapy needs . The study recommends that India requires 1,585 to 2,545 machines, yet only 794 megavoltage machines are currently available a shortfall of approximately 45% from the minimum WHO standard . The government's "Make in India" initiative is kickstarting local LINAC production to close this gap, with domestic models like Siddharth II now approved for patients and performing at levels comparable to foreign equipment . The PLI scheme for medical devices has attracted investment from domestic manufacturers including Panacea Medical Technologies, which has invested INR 28.97 crore in LINAC manufacturing . This sustained investment cycle ensures consistent demand for equipment, installation services, and comprehensive maintenance contracts.

Challenge: Geographic Disparities and Infrastructure Constraints
A significant challenge facing the Indian radiotherapy market is the profound regional disparity in equipment availability and access to care. Most LINACs are clustered in private healthcare facilities in major cities and tier-1 hubs, forcing approximately 80% of patients to travel long distances for treatment . This concentration results in postponed treatment starts, more patients quitting midway, and needless worsening of illness, particularly for patients from villages and smaller towns who cannot afford long trips, lodging, or multiple journeys . Approximately two-thirds of radiotherapy sites operate just one machine each, creating vulnerability to equipment downtime when a single unit fails, patients face treatment interruptions or are forced to travel to neighbouring centres . The shortage of specialised personnel, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and technicians, compounds the infrastructure constraints, particularly in rural and remote regions. Regulatory compliance presents additional challenges, with AERB licensing requirements for procurement and operation adding administrative complexity .



Trend: Domestic Manufacturing Advancement and "Make in India" Initiatives
A major trend reshaping the Indian radiotherapy market is the rapid advancement of domestic manufacturing through the "Make in India" initiative. The Siddharth II linear accelerator, developed by PMT Works in collaboration with government research institutions including SAMEER, CSIO, PGI, and MeitY, has received AERB type approval and is now clinically validated. A peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Medical Physics confirmed that dosimetric parameters from five installed Siddharth II LINACs are acceptable for clinical use and comparable to established imported systems like the Varian TrueBeam . The indigenous design features an O-ring gantry, 6 MV photon beam, and MLC configurations including 5 mm resolution for stereotactic treatments . Domestic manufacturing brings four key benefits: reduced procurement and maintenance costs, faster delivery avoiding global supply chain disruptions, development of a local network of technicians to improve machine reliability, and capacity for future innovations tailored to India's care routines and budgets . This shift could transform India from a top importer of radiotherapy technology into a cost-effective manufacturing hub for the region .

Policies

• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, established in 1983, serves as the central authority overseeing atomic energy applications in India. The procurement of radiation-based equipment for radiotherapy is governed by the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004 issued under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 .
• Any person procuring radiotherapy equipment must source them either from importers holding a valid No Objection Certificate from the AERB or from indigenous manufacturers licensed by AERB for commercial production. A valid type approval certificate issued by AERB is required before equipment can be used clinically .
• The e-LORA (e-Licensing of Radiation Application) initiative, introduced in 2015, is a web-based e-Governance platform for the automation of regulatory processes for radiation facilities. The system aims to achieve paperless licensing and enhance efficiency and transparency in regulatory procedures .
• Employers of radiation equipment are required to appoint a designated Radiation Safety Officer responsible for overseeing radiation protection measures, conducting periodic safety audits, and ensuring compliance with exposure limits .
• The PLI scheme for promoting domestic manufacturing of medical devices has attracted investment from Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd., which has invested INR 28.97 crore in LINAC manufacturing .
• The ICMR study published in BMC Cancer recommends evidence-based targets for radiotherapy machine availability, equitable distribution of radiotherapy services, and development of affordable indigenous radiotherapy equipment to improve access and reduce dependence on costly imports .
• The National Cancer Registry Programme provides epidemiological data that informs policy-makers to identify gaps in radiotherapy access and plan infrastructure expansion .

Segment Analysis

India Radiotherapy Market By Therapy Type
• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT): This is the largest therapy segment, with approximately 794 megavoltage machines (LINACs plus cobalt units) across 554 sites . The installed base is dominated by imported equipment from international suppliers including Elekta, Varian Medical Systems, and Accuray . However, domestic manufacturing is emerging, with five Siddharth II LINACs now type-approved and clinically validated for EBRT . The segment is driven by the clinical dominance of IMRT, IGRT, and SBRT techniques. The substantial equipment deficit requiring 1,585 to 2,545 machines versus 794 installed creates sustained demand for new systems .
• Internal / Brachytherapy: This segment is clinically established, particularly for gynaecological and prostate cancers. Brachytherapy services are concentrated in specialised centres, with the ICMR study identifying cervical cancer as one of the four sites accounting for 60% of radiotherapy demand . Equipment procurement and handling of radioactive sources for brachytherapy are subject to AERB regulatory oversight, including the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004 .
• Systemic Radiotherapy: This is the fastest-growing therapy segment, driven by the emergence of novel radiopharmaceuticals and targeted radionuclide therapies. The segment benefits from India's growing clinical research infrastructure and the development of radiopharmaceuticals. AERB regulates the use of radioactive substances for therapeutic purposes under the Atomic Energy Act .

India Radiotherapy Market By Offering
• Radiotherapy Systems/Equipment: This segment holds the largest market share by revenue, driven by high capital costs and sustained government investment. Major international suppliers include Elekta, Varian Medical Systems, and Accuray . The AIG Hospitals proton therapy investment of INR 800 crore for the IBA Proteus®ONE system demonstrates substantial capital expenditure . Domestic manufacturing is emerging, with Panacea Medical Technologies investing INR 28.97 crore in LINAC manufacturing under the PLI scheme . The Siddharth II LINAC, now clinically available, reduces import dependency .
• Software & Services: This is the fastest-growing segment, reflecting increasing digitalisation of radiation oncology. The software component includes advanced treatment planning systems the Siddharth II system is computer-controlled with facilities for easy patient positioning . The services component encompasses installation, comprehensive maintenance, clinical training, and technical support. Domestic manufacturing is expected to reduce maintenance costs and build a local network of technicians to improve machine reliability .

India Radiotherapy Market By Application
• Breast Cancer: This is the largest application segment, with breast cancer accounting for 238,908 estimated cases in 2025 and an optimal radiotherapy utilisation rate of 79.9% . Breast cancer, along with head and neck, lung, and cervical cancer, accounts for approximately 60% of India's total radiotherapy need .
• Head & Neck Cancer: This is a major application segment, with 236,240 estimated cases and the highest optimal utilisation rate of 83.9% . Head and neck cancers require highly conformal radiation delivery, driving adoption of IMRT and advanced image-guided platforms.
• Cervical Cancer: A significant application area, with 85,241 estimated cases and an optimal utilisation rate of 94.5% the highest among all cancer sites due to the established role of radiotherapy and brachytherapy .
• Lung Cancer: This segment is growing, with lung cancer representing a leading cause of cancer mortality. The ICMR study identified a relative deficit in radiotherapy use exceeding 70% for lung cancer, indicating substantial growth potential .
• Prostate Cancer: A significant application area, with proton therapy emerging as a treatment option the AIG Hospitals investment in IBA's Proteus®ONE system will serve prostate cancer patients .
• Gastro-intestinal: Applications include oesophageal, rectal, and pancreatic cancers. The ICMR study identified optimal utilisation rates for rectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies .
• Other Applications: Includes haematological malignancies (lymphoma deficit exceeding 70%), brain tumours (36,258 estimated cases, 80% optimal utilisation), and paediatric cancers, which benefit from precision radiotherapy and are a priority for proton therapy .

India Radiotherapy Market By End User
• Hospitals & Integrated Cancer Centres: This is the largest end-user segment, operating within the public and private healthcare systems. However, infrastructure is highly concentrated, with most LINACs in private setups in major cities . Only 554 sites offer radiotherapy services, with approximately two-thirds operating a single machine . The AIG Hospitals Oncology Centre in Hyderabad represents significant private investment, with an 850-bed expansion including a dedicated 300-bed oncology tower .
• Standalone Radiotherapy Centres: This segment includes specialised centres in both public and private sectors. The ICMR study highlighted that 80% of patients must travel for care, indicating substantial growth potential for standalone centres in underserved regions .
• Academic/Research Institutions: This is the fastest-growing segment, reflecting their role in advancing the field through clinical trials and technology validation. Institutions including PGI Chandigarh and the Tata Memorial Centre are at the forefront of radiotherapy research. The Siddharth II development involved collaboration with multiple academic and research institutions .
• Other Healthcare Facilities: Includes community hospitals and regional cancer centres. The government's equalisation policy aims to improve access in underserved regions through infrastructure expansion .

India Radiotherapy Market Economics

• Equipment procurement in India is predominantly conducted through government tenders and private hospital budgets. The ICMR study recommends evidence-based planning for radiotherapy machine availability, with current requirements estimated at 1,585 to 2,545 machines .
• The economic impact of the infrastructure deficit is substantial. Only 794 megavoltage machines are available for India's projected 1.45 billion population a shortfall of 45% from the minimum WHO standard . This creates a procurement pipeline that drives market growth.
• Domestic manufacturing is expected to reduce equipment and maintenance costs. "Make in India" LINACs bring four key benefits: reduced procurement and maintenance costs, faster delivery avoiding global supply chain disruptions, development of a local technician network, and capacity for future innovations .
• The economic value of radiotherapy is well-recognised, with radiotherapy being a cost-effective cancer treatment modality. The ICMR study highlighted that current utilisation at 28.5% is less than half the optimal rate of 58.4%, demonstrating substantial untapped potential .
• Private sector investment is significant. AIG Hospitals' investment of INR 800 crore for the Proteus®ONE proton therapy system, with an end-user price ranging between EUR 35 and 45 million including multi-year maintenance , demonstrates confidence in the Indian market.
• Equipment downtime directly affects patient access and treatment outcomes. With two-thirds of sites operating a single machine, downtime results in treatment interruptions or forcing patients to travel to neighbouring centres .
• Workforce and regulatory compliance economics present challenges. The shortage of specialised personnel and AERB licensing requirements for procurement and operation add operational costs .

Market Outlook by Infrastructure, Investment and Industry Development

• The ICMR study published in BMC Cancer has highlighted the substantial shortfall in radiotherapy utilisation and the urgent need for interventions. The study recommends that India requires 1,585 to 2,545 machines, with current availability at only 794 units a shortfall of approximately 45% .
• Cancer incidence is projected to reach 1.57 million cases by 2025, with breast, head and neck, lung, and cervical cancer accounting for 60% of radiotherapy needs . Breast, head and neck, and lung cancer are projected to increase by 70–100% in low- and middle-income countries, driving sustained demand .
• Domestic manufacturing is achieving major milestones. The Siddharth II LINAC, developed by PMT Works in collaboration with SAMEER, CSIO, and PGI, has received AERB type approval and is clinically validated. The Journal of Medical Physics confirmed that dosimetric parameters from five installed units are acceptable for clinical use and comparable to imported systems .
• The PLI scheme for promoting domestic manufacturing of medical devices has attracted investment from Panacea Medical Technologies, with INR 28.97 crore invested in LINAC manufacturing . The "Make in India" initiative aims to cut import reliance, share know-how, and slash upfront plus ongoing expenses
• Proton therapy is emerging in India's private sector. AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad has signed a binding agreement with IBA for a Proteus®ONE compact proton therapy system, representing an INR 800 crore investment. This is only the third proton therapy centre planned in India and the first in South Asia, with patient treatments expected to begin in early 2028 .
• Regulatory oversight continues to evolve, with AERB maintaining stringent licensing requirements through the e-LORA online portal. The regulatory framework includes requirements for type approval, radiation safety protocols, designated Radiation Safety Officers, and periodic safety audits .
• Workforce development is a critical priority. The shortage of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and technicians, particularly in rural and remote regions, constrains service delivery. The expansion of indigenous LINAC manufacturing is expected to build a local network of technicians to support machine reliability .
• The long-term outlook remains positive as cancer incidence continues to rise, sustained government investment through the "Make in India" initiative drives equipment modernisation, and domestic manufacturing reduces dependency on international suppliers. The substantial infrastructure deficit less than half the optimal utilisation rate creates significant headroom for growth through 2031.



Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Radiotherapy Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Therapy Type
• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)
• Internal / Brachytherapy
• Systemic Radiotherapy

By Offering
• Radiotherapy Systems/Equipment
• Software & Services

By Application
• Breast Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Head & Neck Cancer
• Central Nervous System / Brain
• Gastro-intestinal
• Other Applications

By End User

• Hospitals & Integrated Cancer Centers
• Standalone Radiotherapy Centers
• Academic/Research Institutions
• Other Healthcare Facilities