Cancer continues to be a growing public health challenge in India. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimated that over 14 lakh new cancer cases were reported in 2023. With cancer rates expected to rise further, the government has intensified efforts to strengthen treatment facilities, financial assistance and budget allowance, and research initiatives.
Budget 2025-26: Strengthening Cancer Care
The Union Budget 2025-26 has prioritized cancer treatment and prevention through several key initiatives. The government has announced the establishment of 200 Day Care Cancer Centres in district hospitals this year as part of a broader plan to improve accessibility to treatment. Additionally, customs duty exemptions have been introduced on 36 life-saving medicines used for cancer and rare diseases to lower treatment costs and make essential drugs more affordable.
Expanded Screening and Treatment Facilities
Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), large-scale screening programs continue to focus on the three most common cancers—oral, breast, and cervical. Specialized cancer care is also being expanded with more Tertiary Cancer Centres (TCCs) and State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) to enhance medical infrastructure.
Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients
To ensure affordability, government schemes are providing direct financial support for treatment:
- Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY now mandates cancer patients receive treatment within 30 days, covering chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgeries.
- The Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) offers financial aid up to ₹15 lakh for economically weaker patients.
Breakthroughs in Cancer Research and Innovation
India has made significant advancements in cancer research with the launch of NexCAR19, the country’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, developed through collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT. This innovative treatment is expected to reduce dependence on expensive imported therapies and provide affordable treatment for blood cancers.
Additionally, India has partnered with the US, Australia, and Japan under the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative to eliminate cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. The expansion of Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in early 2025 aims to accelerate oncology breakthroughs and enhance treatment facilities.
Also read: India’s First Paediatric Rehab with Robotics Launched
Cancer Awareness and Prevention Efforts
Raising awareness remains a key component in the fight against cancer. The government is working through initiatives like:
- National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) to spread awareness about cancer prevention and screening.
- Fit India Movement and Eat Right India campaigns promoting healthy eating and lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risk.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite notable progress, challenges remain in early detection, equitable access to treatment, and healthcare infrastructure expansion. However, with government investments, budget allowance, research breakthroughs, and international collaborations, India is taking significant strides toward improving cancer care and patient outcomes across the country.
