India strengthens cancer care with policy reforms, budget boost, research advancements

New Delhi, Feb 13: The government has reinforced its commitment to cancer prevention, treatment, and research with a multi-pronged strategy aimed at reducing the disease burden and improving patient care. With cancer cases in India projected to rise, breakthroughs in research, enhanced screening programs, and increased budget allocations are set to transform the country’s cancer care landscape.

The ministry of health emphasized the importance of innovation and accessibility, stating, “Our goal is to provide affordable, high-quality cancer treatment while advancing research and early detection.

India is making significant strides in self-reliant cancer care, from NexCAR19 to the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative.”

Cancer Research

India is making rapid progress in oncology innovation, with key advancements:

First Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy (NexCAR19): Developed by IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT, this therapy offers an affordable treatment for blood cancers, reducing dependence on costly imports.

Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative: In collaboration with the US, Australia, and Japan, India is working towards eliminating cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region through expanded screening and vaccination programs.

ACTREC Expansion: The Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) is undergoing a major expansion to accelerate research and clinical breakthroughs.

Budget 2025-26

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been allocated Rs 99,858.56 crore, with major provisions including:

200 Day Care Cancer Centres to be established at district hospitals.

Customs duty exemptions on 36 lifesaving drugs, including cancer treatments, to lower treatment costs.

Expanding Cancer Screening and Treatment

The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) is scaling up cancer screening at community health centers, with a focus on oral, breast, and cervical cancers. So far:

770 District NCD Clinics,

233 Cardiac Care Units, and

372 District Day Care Centres have been set up nationwide.

Additionally, the Strengthening of Tertiary Care for Cancer Scheme has led to the establishment of:

19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and

20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs), including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Haryana and the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) in Kolkata.

Financial Assistance for Patients

Under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, over 90% of registered cancer patients have received timely treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) offers up to ₹15 lakh per patient, benefiting economically weaker sections.

Raising Awareness and Prevention Efforts

Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs promote preventive health and cancer screening at the community level.

Government-backed campaigns, including National Cancer Awareness Day, emphasize healthy lifestyles and early detection through mass media.

Towards a Cancer-Free India

Despite advancements, challenges remain in early detection, equitable access, and rising cases. The government’s policy-driven approach, expanded healthcare infrastructure, financial support, and research breakthroughs position India on a path toward comprehensive and inclusive cancer care.