The Indian government has launched a large-scale initiative to establish daycare cancer centres in district hospitals across the country. This move aims to decentralize cancer treatment, making chemotherapy and other essential services more accessible, particularly in rural areas.
As part of the Union Budget 2025-26, ₹3,200 crore has been allocated for this project, with 200 centres set to be operational in the 2025-26 fiscal year. By strengthening district hospitals, the government hopes to reduce the burden on tertiary cancer centres and ensure timely care for patients.
Expanding Cancer Care Beyond Major Cities
Cancer treatment in India has traditionally been concentrated in a few specialized hospitals located in major cities. This results in significant travel and financial strain for patients, especially those from rural areas. By establishing daycare cancer centres in district hospitals, the government aims to bridge this accessibility gap.
These centres will primarily focus on chemotherapy administration, allowing patients to receive treatment closer to home. This is crucial for individuals undergoing multiple cycles of chemotherapy, as frequent travel to urban hospitals can be both exhausting and financially draining.
The plan also includes strengthening diagnostic services in district hospitals, allowing for early detection of cancer. Access to pathology labs, radiology services, and trained oncology professionals will be essential in improving treatment outcomes.
Evaluating Infrastructure for Effective Implementation
The government has initiated a nationwide assessment of district hospitals to determine their readiness for hosting daycare cancer centres. This review will examine:
• Existing medical facilities: Availability of chemotherapy administration units, diagnostic tools, and trained staff.
• Infrastructure gaps: Need for upgrades such as specialized equipment, dedicated cancer wards, and improved patient care areas.
• Connectivity and accessibility: Ensuring patients can reach these centres easily, especially in remote regions.
By addressing these gaps, the initiative will ensure that newly established centres are fully equipped to provide high-quality care.
Financial Assistance and Cost Reduction Measures
Cancer treatment is often expensive, and affordability remains a key concern for patients. To address this, the government has announced several cost-cutting measures:
• Customs duty exemptions: The Union Budget 2025-26 includes provisions to exempt 36 life-saving drugs, including cancer medications, from basic customs duty. This will help reduce treatment costs.
• Public-private partnerships (PPP): The government is exploring collaborations with private healthcare providers to enhance services in district hospitals.
• Insurance and financial aid: Expansion of existing health schemes like Ayushman Bharat to provide financial support for chemotherapy and related treatments.
These measures aim to ensure that patients receive timely and affordable care without financial hardship.
Expected Impact on Cancer Treatment in India
With over 14.1 lakh new cancer cases reported annually in India, early diagnosis and accessible treatment are crucial. The decentralization of cancer care through daycare centres is expected to bring several benefits:
• Reduced patient load on major cancer hospitals, allowing them to focus on complex cases and advanced treatments.
• Increased early detection rates, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved survival rates.
• Lower financial burden on patients by eliminating the need for long-distance travel and expensive private healthcare services.
Experts believe that this initiative will be a game-changer in India’s fight against cancer, ensuring equitable healthcare access across all regions.
Challenges and Future Considerations
Despite its promising potential, the initiative faces several challenges:
1. Shortage of trained oncology professionals: Many district hospitals lack specialized oncologists and trained nursing staff for chemotherapy administration.
2. Infrastructure limitations: Some district hospitals may require significant upgrades before they can accommodate cancer treatment units.
3. Logistics and drug supply chain: Ensuring a consistent supply of chemotherapy drugs and other essential medicines to remote centres will be critical.
4. Patient awareness and outreach: Many individuals in rural areas delay seeking treatment due to a lack of awareness or social stigma. Awareness campaigns will be essential.
To address these issues, the government is expected to invest in training programs, technology-driven healthcare solutions, and telemedicine initiatives to connect district hospitals with specialized cancer institutes.
Expert Reactions and Industry Response
The healthcare industry has welcomed the initiative, with experts emphasizing its potential to revolutionize cancer care in India.
• Dr. DS Negi, CEO of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, stated that setting up daycare cancer centres in district hospitals will significantly improve treatment accessibility for rural patients.
• Behram Khodaiji, CEO of Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, highlighted that decentralizing cancer care will help reduce treatment costs and improve patient outcomes.
• Healthcare advocacy groups have also praised the initiative, urging the government to ensure proper implementation, staffing, and resource allocation.
If successfully implemented, India’s model of district-level daycare cancer centres could set a global precedent for improving cancer care in developing nations.
References:
• The New Indian Express: “Union Budget 2025: Daycare cancer centres in all district hospitals”
• Business Standard: “Govt reviewing infra of hospitals for setting up daycare cancer centres”
• Times of India: “Govt plans daycare centres for chemotherapy in all 759 districts”
• The Week: “Centre begins reviewing infrastructure of district hospitals for cancer care”
• Economic Times: “Govt to upgrade hospitals for cancer daycare centres”
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