Leading medical experts have hailed the government's recent healthcare initiatives, calling them a game-changer for primary healthcare and rural cancer treatment.

Dr. D.S. Rana, Chairman of the Trust Board at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, emphasized that expanding broadband connectivity at the primary healthcare level would significantly improve medical access for underserved populations.

“Providing treatment and diagnosis at the doorstep of villagers is a transformative step toward equitable healthcare,” said Dr. Rana. He also welcomed the addition of 10,000 new medical seats, which he believes will help bridge the gap in trained healthcare professionals.

A particularly significant initiative is the establishment of Cancer Day Care Centres at primary healthcare facilities, which Dr. Rana described as a “paradigm shift” in cancer treatment for rural patients.

Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Vice President of the Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, echoed similar sentiments, stating that setting up district-level day care cancer centers is a welcome move. “These centers will provide chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and day-care surgeries for various cancers, making cancer treatment more accessible to rural communities,” he noted.

Dr. Nilesh Rohtagi, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at Fortis Memorial Gurgaon, highlighted the potential of digital integration in these new centers. “If these centers are digitally linked and follow standardized treatment guidelines, the certainty of improved outcomes will significantly increase,” he explained.

The introduction of broadband-enabled primary healthcare, expanded medical education, and decentralized cancer care is expected to revolutionize India's rural healthcare landscape, offering timely and efficient treatment for thousands of patients in need.