Cancer care is becoming a major healthcare priority across South Asia. As populations grow and life expectancy increases, the demand for advanced cancer treatment—especially radiotherapy—is rising rapidly. In this landscape, SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) is playing a key role in improving access to essential medical technologies such as the linac machine and other radiation oncology equipment.
India, with its strong medical manufacturing base, is emerging as a trusted supplier of affordable and high-quality radiotherapy solutions to SAFTA countries, helping bridge long-standing gaps in cancer care infrastructure.
Understanding SAFTA and Its Role in Healthcare Trade (SAFTA countries)
SAFTA was created to strengthen trade cooperation among South Asian nations by reducing tariffs and simplifying the cross-border movement of goods. The SAFTA countries, which are also members of SAARC, include:
The SAFTA countries
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
By lowering trade barriers, SAFTA helps ensure that essential goods—including medical devices—can move faster and at lower cost across borders. For cancer care, this translates into better access to modern radiotherapy infrastructure.
Note: Growing Need for Linac Machines in SAFTA Countries
Cancer incidence is rising across South Asia, but access to treatment remains uneven. Many hospitals face challenges such as limited radiotherapy capacity, dependence on older systems, and long waiting times for patients.
The linac machine is central to modern radiotherapy. It delivers targeted radiation to tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. However, high acquisition costs and complex import processes have traditionally restricted access in many SAFTA countries.
Trade facilitation under SAFTA is helping change this by allowing hospitals to explore cost-effective sourcing options from within the region.
The SAFTA framework offers several practical advantages for healthcare systems:
- Reduced or eliminated import duties on medical equipment
- Faster customs clearance and simpler documentation
- Lower total project costs for hospitals and cancer centres
- Greater confidence in regional supply chains
These benefits are particularly important for radiotherapy projects, where timely installation and long-term service support are essential.
Building a Healthier South Asia Through Regional Trade
SAFTA is more than a trade agreement—it is a pathway to improved healthcare equity. By enabling affordable access to linac machines and modern radiotherapy systems, SAFTA trade benefits help reduce disparities in cancer treatment across South Asia.
With India’s growing expertise and companies like Global CanCare Pvt. Ltd., the region is moving toward a future where quality cancer care is not limited by borders or cost.
Global CanCare Pvt. Ltd.: Supporting Cancer Care Across South Asia
Global CanCare Pvt. Ltd. is an India-based healthcare company actively supporting cancer care development across South Asia. The company provides:
- Advanced radiotherapy machines
- Modern linear accelerators (linac machines)
- Radiation oncology equipment
- Turnkey cancer care solutions
By working within the SAFTA trade framework, Global CanCare helps hospitals and cancer centres access high-quality equipment with reduced financial and logistical barriers.
“Global CanCare works closely with hospitals, cancer centres, and healthcare partners in South Asia to support sustainable radiotherapy infrastructure.”
Conclusion: Setting Up Radiotherapy Centers in South Asia with Indian-Made Radiation Machines
Exporting radiotherapy solutions from India to SAFTA countries is transforming cancer care across South Asia. Through reduced tariffs, faster access, and regional collaboration, SAFTA enables hospitals to adopt advanced linac machines and radiation oncology.
With its commitment to accessibility, quality, and long-term partnerships, Global CanCare Pvt. Ltd. continues to support sustainable cancer care solutions—helping South Asia move forward together in the fight against cancer.
Contact Us:
- Email: in**@***********re.com
- Website: Global CanCare Pvt Ltd
- Call: +91 8120115666