A big step for neurological healthcare, the Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) in Lucknow is set to open Uttar Pradesh’s first Gamma Knife centre, a high-tech, non-surgical system for treating complex brain disorders.
Once functional, doctors will be able to carry out delicate brain procedures without any cuts or stitches, using focused beams of radiation instead of traditional surgery.

Earlier, patients suffering from brain tumours, Parkinson’s disease, or vascular malformations had to undergo open brain surgeries, procedures that often involved long recovery and a higher risk of infection or bleeding.

The Gamma Knife changes that completely. Despite its name, it uses no actual knife. Instead, it delivers hundreds of beams of gamma radiation that meet at a precise point inside the brain, destroying abnormal tissue while keeping surrounding areas safe.

At RMLIMS, the system will use 209 micro-focused beams with sub-millimetre accuracy, making it one of the most advanced radiosurgery systems available in India. Many patients will be able to return home the same day, avoiding the trauma of open surgery.

The project, first announced in late 2022, faced some delays due to high costs and infrastructure challenges.
The Uttar Pradesh government sanctioned ₹49 crore for the setup,  ₹46 crore for the machine and ₹3 crore for the radiation bunker and support facilities.

The foundation stone for the facility was laid during RMLIMS’s fifth Foundation Day, along with the launch of a new Advanced Neurosciences Centre housing 260 beds, including 60 ICU beds. Officials said the Gamma Knife system is now in its final installation phase and should be ready within six months.

How the Gamma Knife works

The Gamma Knife directs focused gamma rays through a stereotactic head frame, guided by MRI scans for pinpoint accuracy.
The radiation beams converge at the exact spot in the brain that needs treatment, whether it’s a tumour, abnormal blood vessel, or nerve disorder, all without opening the skull.

Doctors say the system can treat conditions such as brain tumours, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, trigeminal neuralgia, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The entire procedure usually takes a few hours, and patients can resume daily life within a day or two.

Until now, people needing such therapy had to travel to Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, a costly and difficult journey for many. The Lucknow centre will bring this world-class treatment closer to home.

While the project is nearing completion, experts say there are still challenges to address.
Operating the Gamma Knife requires a specialised team of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, physicists, and technicians. Recruiting and training such experts will be key.

Additionally, the centre must receive safety clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) since the equipment involves high-energy radiation. Approval delays could affect the launch timeline.

Spreading awareness among doctors across Uttar Pradesh will also be important so that patients who need the treatment can be referred in time.

The new Gamma Knife unit is part of a larger plan to make RMLIMS a centre of excellence in neurosciences, with future facilities for robotic surgery, AI-based diagnostics, and advanced radiology.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who oversees medical education, said the government’s focus is on “bringing world-class treatment facilities to Lucknow so that no patient needs to travel out of state for critical procedures.”

Once operational, the Lucknow facility will make Uttar Pradesh one of the few Indian states to offer incision-free brain surgery, marking a historic leap in neuro-care for the region.