Overview
The Union Health Ministry is establishing cancer daycare centers in district hospitals to improve accessibility. These centers will provide chemotherapy, counseling, and essential medicines, each equipped with four to six beds and staffed with trained medical professionals. The initiative was highlighted in a recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report on the Ministry’s budget allocations.
Cancer Burden in India
- Over 14 lakh new cases were recorded in 2023.
- An estimated 100 cases per 1 lakh people annually across India.
- The National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) has tracked cancer trends since 1982 to inform policy.
Union Budget 2025-26: Strengthening Cancer Care
- Rs. 99,858.5 crore allocated to the Health Ministry, with Rs. 95,957.8 crore for healthcare services and Rs. 3,900.69 crore for health research.
- 200 cancer daycare centers to be established in district hospitals in 2025-26.
- Exemptions on customs duties for 36 life-saving drugs, including cancer medications. Six additional medicines now subject to a reduced 5% duty.
- Full exemptions for drugs provided under patient assistance programs.
Government Initiatives for Cancer Control
- NPCDCS: Focuses on cancer prevention and management alongside other non-communicable diseases.
- Tertiary Care for Cancer Scheme: Expands cancer treatment through decentralized healthcare, including 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Care Centers.
- Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY): Covers chemotherapy and surgical oncology for economically vulnerable groups.
- Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF): Provides financial aid of up to ₹5 lakh per patient, with a maximum assistance limit of ₹15 lakh.
- National Cancer Grid (NCG): A network of 287 institutions ensuring standardized cancer care, treating over 750,000 patients annually.
Advancements in Cancer Research and Treatment
- NexCAR19: India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, developed in April 2024, for blood cancer treatment.
- Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative: A global partnership launched in 2024 with the US, Australia, and Japan, focusing on cervical cancer elimination.
- ACTREC Expansion: Infrastructure development to enhance cancer research and patient care.
Implementation of Cancer Daycare Centers
- Aims to bring chemotherapy services closer to patients and ensure continuity of care.
- Patients receive treatment plans at tertiary centers and continue therapy at district hospitals.
- The government plans to establish 200 centers this year, with full rollout over three years.
Challenges and Recommendations
- Staffing Shortages: Experts recommend dedicated hiring instead of relying on existing hospital staff.
- Pain Management: Expanding services to include low-cost pain relief options.
- Medical Training: Specialized training for district hospital staff to manage chemotherapy side effects.
- Regional Adaptation: States like Kerala and the Northeast, already offering cancer care at district hospitals, may find implementation smoother.
This initiative is expected to significantly improve cancer treatment accessibility, particularly in underserved regions, ensuring cost-effective and comprehensive care