Strengthening Cancer Care: New Initiatives and Facilities Unveiled
As India ramps up its efforts to enhance cancer care, the government is reinforcing infrastructure and services across the nation. The responsibility of delivering healthcare, including cancer treatment, primarily lies with State Governments. However, the Department of Health and Family Welfare is playing a vital role by offering both technical and financial assistance under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM).
The NP-NCD initiative aims to bolster healthcare systems by setting up facilities for early diagnosis, screening, and treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Notably, the program has led to the establishment of 770 District NCD Clinics, 524 Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs), and over 6,410 NCD clinics at Community Health Centres nationwide.
Comprehensive Health Coverage for Families
The Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) further supports healthcare access by providing eligible families with a health coverage of ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This initiative allows for cashless treatment for a staggering 1,961 medical procedures across 27 specialties, such as Medical and Surgical Oncology, all available in both public and private hospitals. States and Union Territories retain the flexibility to adjust Health Benefit Packages to better meet local healthcare demands.
Enhanced Screening and Diagnosis Efforts
To address the critical issue of waiting periods for cancer diagnosis and treatment, the NHM is implementing population-based screening for prevalent NCDs, including oral, breast, and cervical cancers. This program targets individuals aged 30 and above and is conducted by trained health workers, known as ASHAs and ANMs, at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Early detection and prompt referral through this approach significantly reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Decentralizing Cancer Care Services
The government is also decentralizing cancer care by establishing DCCCs in District Hospitals. This hub-and-spoke model is designed to enhance accessibility to chemotherapy and essential day-care oncology services. Additionally, under the Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme, 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) have received approval across the country to further bolster tertiary cancer care resources.
Moreover, the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) has established six new hospitals in cities such as Varanasi, Visakhapatnam, New Chandigarh, Guwahati, Sangrur, and Muzaffarpur, aiming to provide comprehensive cancer care to those in need. Cancer treatment services, including diagnostic, medical, and surgical facilities, have also been expanded to all 22 new AIIMS hospitals. Advanced treatment options are available at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Jhajjar and the second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) in Kolkata, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
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