The Government’s decision to set up daycare cancer centres in all district hospitals over the next three years is a commendable step towards strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure. With an estimated expenditure of Rs 3,200 crore, this initiative reflects a much-needed commitment to addressing the growing burden of cancer, particularly in rural areas where access to quality care remains limited. India faces an alarming rise in cancer cases, with a significant number of patients unable to access timely diagnosis and treatment. The establishment of daycare cancer centres at the district level will significantly improve accessibility and reduce the overwhelming load on tertiary care facilities. By decentralising chemotherapy services and conducting cancer awareness programs, the initiative aims to make cancer care more inclusive and efficient.
A major challenge in cancer treatment is the delay in diagnosis, often due to a lack of awareness and inadequate screening facilities. The Government’s decision to conduct a gap analysis and infrastructure review of district hospitals is a crucial first step. Assessing the cancer burden in each region will help in the strategic placement of these centres and ensure that resources are allocated effectively. Over the years, Rs 3,000 crore has been sanctioned for 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres, while new AIIMS institutions have been equipped with cancer treatment facilities. Furthermore, under Ayushman Bharat, approximately 68.43 lakh hospital admissions amounting to Rs 13,160.75 crore have been authorised for cancer-related treatment. Such measures highlight the Government’s continued focus on making cancer treatment more affordable and accessible. Financial barriers to cancer treatment have also been addressed through initiatives like AMRIT pharmacies, which offer 289 oncology drugs at discounts of up to 50 percent, and the PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, which ensures affordable access to essential medicines. Moreover, the exemption of basic customs duty on 36 lifesaving cancer drugs is a significant move toward reducing treatment costs. All these initiatives represent a transformative step in India’s fight against cancer, one that has the potential to save countless lives and reshape the healthcare landscape for the better.
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