The recent UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which lowers import tariffs on advanced medical equipment, is being hailed as a game-changer for cancer care accessibility in India. Healthcare leaders, including Prof. Dr. Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services and Managing Director at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC), believe the FTA will significantly improve access to cutting-edge technologies for both healthcare providers and patients.

“With reduced import costs on high-end medical technologies — such as robotic surgical systems and precision oncology equipment — we can deliver more affordable and sophisticated cancer treatments,” said Dr. Nagarkar. “This development not only supports our mission of delivering advanced care but also helps expand equitable access, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities.”

The lowered tariffs are expected to drive down capital costs for hospitals, enabling more facilities to adopt state-of-the-art technologies like robotic-assisted surgery. As accessibility improves and costs decline, experts anticipate a narrowing gap between the pricing of traditional and robotic surgeries, making them feasible for a wider range of patients.

“This FTA will elevate the standard of cancer care in India by facilitating minimally invasive, precision-based surgeries that offer better outcomes and faster recovery times,” Dr. Nagarkar noted. “It brings us closer to aligning Indian cancer care with global best practices.”

The enhanced availability of advanced equipment is expected to have a ripple effect across India’s healthcare landscape — improving outcomes, reducing the financial burden on families, and encouraging the adoption of innovative cancer treatment protocols.

A Leader in Oncology: HCG Manavata Cancer Centre

Founded in 2007 by Dr. Raj Nagarkar, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre in Nashik is Central India’s first NABH-accredited oncology facility. With a robust team of over 50 consultant oncologists and 900 staff, the 275-bed center has conducted more than 65,000 surgeries, including over 1,100 robotic-assisted procedures.

The center specializes in surgical, radiation, and medical oncology, offering patient-centric and multidisciplinary treatment plans tailored to individual needs. In addition to clinical excellence, HCGMCC supports patients through financial aid programs, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality.

“The UK-India FTA is more than a policy shift; it’s a lifeline for expanding access to world-class cancer care,” said Dr. Nagarkar. “It reaffirms our commitment to building a cancer-free future — one patient at a time.”