In a significant move aimed at enhancing cancer care across the nation, the Union Health Ministry of India has announced the establishment of 200 daycare cancer centres in over 750 district hospitals. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make essential cancer services more accessible, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Investment and Implementation
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava confirmed that the government plans to allocate a total estimated expenditure of ₹3,200 crore for the establishment of these centres over the next three years. The Department is currently conducting surveys to identify gaps in the current healthcare system of these district hospitals. Following these assessments, upgrades will be implemented to facilitate the setup of the daycare cancer centres.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the initiative’s importance in her budget speech, stating, “Our government will facilitate the establishment of Daycare Cancer Centres in all district hospitals over the next three years.” The focus of these centres will primarily be on providing chemotherapy services and conducting cancer prevention and awareness programs.
Addressing Rising Cancer Rates
The growing incidence of cancer has emerged as a critical public health challenge in India. Recent statistics indicate an alarming rise in morbidity due to cancer, with the need for improved screening and treatment options becoming increasingly urgent. The government has commenced cancer screening for individuals aged over 30 at the 1.6 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the nation, promoting early detection and treatment.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory data for 2022, the most common cancers among men include oral cavity, lung, and oesophageal cancers, while breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers are prevalent among women. This initiative aims to bring essential treatments closer to home, reducing the burden on patients who currently travel long distances for care.
Supporting Infrastructure Development
In addition to the daycare cancer centres, previous investments have also been made to enhance cancer treatment facilities across India. The health ministry reported that ₹3,000 crore was approved for 19 State Cancer Institute’s and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres in the last decade. Cancer treatment facilities have also been approved in all 22 new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Financial Support through Ayushman Bharat
Under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), women have comprised 47% of total cancer treatment beneficiaries, amounting to treatments worth ₹19,737 crore. Notably, cancer treatment accounts for 35% of services provided under PMJAY, which supports secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation for families.
The government continues to prioritize health in its budget allocations, with a reported 160% increase in the health budget from 2015 to 2026. For the current fiscal year, the health ministry has been allocated ₹9,406 crore, showcasing a significant 28.8% increase from the previous year.
-Raja Aditya
