• The Indian government will establish 200 daycare cancer centers in district hospitals to enhance accessibility and reduce treatment delays.
  • The initiative aims to improve early detection, integrate AI-powered diagnostics, and make cancer treatment more affordable through policy changes.

In response to the growing burden of cancer in India, the government has announced plans to establish 200 daycare cancer centers in district hospitals as part of the Union Budget 2025-26.

The initiative aims to enhance accessibility, promote early detection, and reduce treatment delays, particularly for underserved populations. 

Over the next three years, the government envisions expanding daycare cancer facilities to every district hospital, easing the load on tertiary healthcare centers.

Cancer remains a significant health challenge, with one in nine Indians at risk of developing the disease and an expected 12.8% increase in annual cases by 2025. A staggering 75-80% of cancer patients in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, contributing to high mortality rates.

Experts believe that improving early detection and local treatment options will be critical in improving outcomes.

Dr. Arun Kumar Giri, Director of Surgical Oncology at Aakash Healthcare, emphasized the impact of the initiative:

“The establishment of 200 daycare cancer centers will revolutionize oncology care in India. Many cancer patients discontinue or delay treatment due to travel, financial, or logistical constraints. These centers will provide chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care in district hospitals, making treatment more accessible and reducing the need for long hospital stays.”

A key focus of this initiative is integrating telemedicine and AI-powered diagnostics through improved broadband connectivity in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) under the BharatNet Project. This move is expected to facilitate timely screenings and early interventions, particularly in rural and remote areas.

The government’s move to exempt customs duties on 36 life-saving drugs is expected to make cancer treatment more affordable. Healthcare professionals also advocate for a strong public-private partnership to ensure these daycare centers are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities.

With a three-year campaign under the World Cancer Day theme ‘United by Unique,’ the focus remains on personalized, patient-centered care. The success of these initiatives will depend on their execution, community participation, and continued investment in cancer research and infrastructure.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah