The government is taking a bold and comprehensive stance against cancer in India, unveiling an initiative on Friday under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and the National Health Mission (NHM). This multifaceted strategy is designed to bolster early detection, prevention, and holistic treatment options across the country.

In a sweeping expansion of healthcare infrastructure, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the creation of a robust network that includes 770 district NCD clinics, 233 cardiac care units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 clinics at community health centres. This rapid deployment is targeted at making critical screening and management services for diseases, such as oral, breast, and cervical cancers, accessible to rural and marginalised communities. Prominent voices in the public health arena, including experts from the Indian Medical Association and renowned oncology specialists, have lauded these measures, noting that a well-maintained and extensive infrastructure could play a pivotal role in reducing cancer mortality rates over time.

Alongside these developments in primary care, the government has also significantly upgraded tertiary care services. The recent launch of 19 state cancer institutes and 20 tertiary cancer care centres represents a strategic enhancement to India’s capacity to treat cancer. Notably, all 22 newly established AIIMS facilities are now equipped with state-of-the-art cancer treatment services, offering a complete range of diagnostic, medical, and surgical interventions.

The growth of advanced medical facilities is exemplified by the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, which now features 1,460 beds, and the newly inaugurated second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, which adds another 460 beds. These facilities are expected to bridge the gap in super-speciality cancer care, particularly benefiting patients who require advanced treatments and prolonged hospitalisations.

Financial accessibility remains a cornerstone of the government’s strategy. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) continues to be a transformative force in healthcare, offering annual coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalisations. Now extended to nearly 55 crore beneficiaries, the scheme has recently been expanded to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income—a move widely supported by public health advocates who emphasise the vulnerability of older adults to cancer.

Data from AB PM-JAY underscores the program's impact on cancer care: Over 68 lakh treatments have been facilitated, amounting to Rs. 13,000 crore, with more than 75% of these services benefiting rural patients. Additionally, targeted therapies have been administered in over 450,000 cases, totalling more than Rs. 985 crore, with rural recipients representing 76% of these interventions. These figures, validated by independent health assessments, illustrate the critical role of AB PM-JAY in dismantling financial barriers and broadening access to essential treatments.

Looking ahead, the Union Budget 2025–26 outlines an ambitious plan to establish 200 Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in district hospitals over the next financial year. This initiative, part of a comprehensive three-year plan, will be implemented following thorough assessments of current cancer care frameworks, staff competencies, and the availability of necessary medical tools. Priority will be given to areas with high cancer prevalence and limited treatment options, ensuring that these new centres work closely with state cancer institutes and tertiary care centres.

Despite the promising scope of these initiatives, experts caution that their success will depend on sustained financial backing, meticulous execution, and ongoing oversight by independent bodies. Without vigilant supervision, even the best-funded programs may struggle to reach the most vulnerable populations. Nonetheless, the government's detailed and proactive approach offers a hopeful path forward in the battle against cancer, aiming to build a continuous care system that could significantly improve patient outcomes in the years to come.