Union Govt to Open Daycare Cancer Centres in Every District Within Three Years: JP Nadda
New Delhi, March 11: In a major boost to cancer treatment infrastructure in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda announced today that the government will establish daycare cancer centres in every district across the country within the next three years.
Replying to a supplementary question in the Rajya Sabha, Nadda stated that 200 daycare cancer centres are set to be opened in the 2025-26 financial year as part of the government’s commitment to strengthening cancer care services.
Citing a recent report, the minister highlighted the impact of Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana, under which cancer treatment begins within 30 days of screening. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring affordable and quality healthcare under the National Health Mission (NHM).
Why Daycare Cancer Centres are Necessary in India
With cancer cases on the rise, daycare cancer units will play a crucial role in providing timely treatment and reducing the burden on tertiary hospitals. Many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and targeted therapy, do not require hospitalization but still demand specialized medical supervision.
Here’s why these centres are essential:
- Early Diagnosis & Timely Treatment: Cancer treatment outcomes improve significantly with early intervention. Having a cancer care unit in every district will ensure faster screenings and quicker treatment initiation.
- Reduced Financial & Travel Burden: Patients, especially from rural areas, often travel long distances to major hospitals. Local daycare centres will minimize travel time, costs, and stress for patients and families.
- Lower Pressure on Major Hospitals: Tertiary hospitals in metro cities are often overcrowded with cancer cases. District-level daycare units will help decongest these facilities and ensure that specialized hospitals can focus on complex cases.
- Comprehensive Cancer Care: These centres will offer chemotherapy, palliative care, follow-up consultations, and counseling services, making cancer treatment more accessible and holistic.
This initiative is expected to significantly improve early detection, timely treatment, and accessibility of cancer care, particularly in underserved areas, ensuring that quality cancer treatment is available to all.
