Cancer cases are increasing rapidly across the world and India is included in the list of countries where the highest number of cancer cases are seen. The government has taken a big step towards strengthening cancer treatment in the country. According to the official statement, day-care cancer centers will be set up in district hospitals across the country in the next three years. Let us tell you in detail what steps the government is taking.
It was announced in the budget
This was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, in which there is a plan to start 200 centers during 2025-26 itself. The initiative aims to provide services like chemotherapy near patients’ homes and reduce pressure on large tertiary hospitals. Cancer treatment usually lasts for several months and during this time patients have to go to the hospital repeatedly. Regular chemotherapy and follow-up is necessary for better results.
poor people have to suffer a lot
For people from rural areas or economically weaker sections, frequent visits to big hospitals in cities prove to be physically and financially costly. There is additional burden on the family due to travel, accommodation, food expenses and loss in daily earnings. Patients undergoing chemotherapy are often frail and in need of a caregiver. This further impacts the family income.
What will be the benefit?
With the introduction of chemotherapy facilities in district hospitals, patients will not have to travel long distances and other travel related expenses will also be reduced. This will save families and their daily routine will be less affected. Before approving these centres, the government conducted a detailed gap analysis in collaboration with states and union territories. The districts have been selected based on the number of cancer cases, patient load and available infrastructure.
Special attention has also been given to training and capacity building in this programme. Doctors and nurses from selected districts were given practical training for four to six weeks in government medical colleges, regional cancer centers and state cancer institutes. The training included the process of giving chemotherapy, determining the correct dose of medication, preventing complications, dealing with emergencies, infection control, safe handling of medications and counseling patients. This has ensured that safety and quality standards are followed even at the district level.
What are the rules regarding medicines?
Another important thing about this initiative is that essential chemotherapy medicines will be made available free of cost at government health centres. The cost of drugs is the biggest part of cancer treatment. In such a situation, by providing free medicines, the out-of-pocket expenses of the patients will be significantly reduced. The government has also strengthened the procurement and supply system of medicines, so that their regular availability is maintained.