The centre, being set-up by the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC), will train doctors and technologists in the field of nuclear medicine, which has come to be recognised as the most cost effective specialty with minimum side-effects.

Speaking to media persons here today, BARC Biomedical Division head, A M Samuel, disclosed that the centre was likely to be thrown open for training doctors and technologists early next year. About Rs 25 crores would be required every year for its maintenance.

While cyclotron is used for preparation of short-lived isotopes, the PET scan helps in imaging functional human organs including the brain and the heart for early detection of disorders. BARC has been training doctors and technologists in the state-of-the-art nuclear medicine since 1974.

Referring tothe ongoing five-day international seminar on Therapeutic Applications of Radio-pharmaceuticals-ISTARP 99'' organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in association with the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) here, nuclear medicine professor at St Bartholemew's Hospital in United Kingdom, Keith Britton, said that over 50 papers were presented.

About 110 participants from 42 different countries are participating in the five-day event, aimed at discussing the relevance of nuclear medicine in developing countries particularly India which had the potential of becoming a self-reliant nation in nuclear medicine.