Indian government has initiated a significant step in the battle against cancer by planning to establish 200 Day Care Cancer Centers in district hospitals across the country in 2025-26. This initiative is part of a larger goal to set up daycare cancer centres in all district hospitals within three years, as announced in the Union Budget 2025. The move aims to bring quality cancer treatment closer to patients, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while reducing the burden on tertiary care hospitals.
Health Ministry has already begun assessing the infrastructure of district hospitals to facilitate the setup of these cancer centres. The government has allocated ₹3,200 crore for the project over the next three years, ensuring that chemotherapy, cancer prevention programs, and awareness initiatives are accessible at the district level.
What is a Day Care Cancer Centre?
A Day Care Cancer Centre is a specialized facility within a hospital that provides short-term cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, minor procedures, and supportive care, without requiring patients to stay overnight. These centres primarily serve early-stage cancer patients who need periodic treatments and follow-ups.
Key Features of Day Care Cancer Centers
- Four to six beds per center
- Administration of chemotherapy drugs
- Cancer screening and diagnosis
- Minor procedures like blood transfusions
- Cancer awareness and prevention programs
- Psycho-social support for patients and caregivers
- Follow-up and palliative care services
These centres will be linked with medical colleges and tertiary cancer hospitals under a hub-and-spoke model, where district hospitals act as the spokes and larger medical institutions serve as hubs for specialized treatments.
How Will the Day Care Cancer Centers Work?
1. Setup & Infrastructure
- Each district hospital will have a dedicated cancer treatment unit with 4-6 daycare beds.
- A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is being considered to help manage these facilities effectively.
- The government has already started a nationwide survey to assess infrastructure gaps in district hospitals before implementation.
2. Cancer Treatment at the District Level
- Patients no longer need to travel hundreds of kilometers to major cities for chemotherapy or minor cancer treatments.
- Oncologists and trained medical staff will be available at these centres to administer chemotherapy safely.
- Follow-up treatments and palliative care will also be provided to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
3. Reducing Burden on Tertiary Hospitals
- AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and other major cancer hospitals in India currently handle a massive patient load.
- By shifting routine chemotherapy and minor treatments to district hospitals, specialized cancer hospitals can focus on complex cancer cases and surgeries.
4. Financial Assistance & Affordable Treatment
- Under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, cancer treatment is covered, with over 3.41 crore treatments worth ₹44,000 crore already provided.
- AMRIT pharmacies offer 289 oncology drugs at discounts of up to 50%, making treatment more affordable.
- Cancer medicines are also subsidized under the PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.
5. Cancer Prevention & Awareness
- These centres will also conduct awareness programs about the dangers of tobacco, poor diet, and lack of physical activity.
- The government has already screened 26 crore people for oral cancer, 14 crore for breast cancer, and 9 crore for cervical cancer under the National Health Mission.
Timelines & Implementation Plan
| Year | Plan | No. of Centers | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | First phase rollout | 200 centres | Infrastructure review, gap analysis, pilot programs |
| 2026-27 | Expansion to more districts | 1,200 beds operational | Setting up additional facilities based on demand |
| 2027-28 | Full implementation | 4,500 daycare beds across India | Nationwide accessibility, full integration with AIIMS and medical colleges |
Challenges & Possible Solutions
1. Shortage of Trained Oncologists & Medical Staff
- Current scenario: India produces only 300 oncologists annually, and many doctors prefer working in urban areas.
- Solution: Implement telemedicine services where experienced oncologists from major hospitals can guide district-level doctors. Additionally, a hub-and-spoke model can ensure specialist consultation.
2. Infrastructure Deficiency in District Hospitals
- Current scenario: Many district hospitals lack cancer diagnostic tools like CT scans, MRI machines, and pathology labs.
- Solution: Strengthen infrastructure with mobile diagnostic units and PPP investments.
3. High Cost of Cancer Drugs & Treatments
- Current scenario: Cancer drugs are often expensive, making treatment inaccessible for the poor.
- Solution: Expanding AMRIT pharmacies, increasing generic drug production, and introducing price caps on essential cancer medications.
4. Awareness & Early Detection
- Current scenario: Many Indians ignore early symptoms, leading to late-stage cancer detection.
- Solution: Massive cancer screening camps, community outreach programs, and school-based awareness drives.
Impact of Day Care Cancer Centers
For Patients
- Access to treatment closer to home
- Reduced travel and accommodation costs
- Faster access to chemotherapy
- Lower dropout rates from treatment
For Healthcare System
- Reduced burden on AIIMS and major cancer hospitals
- Better utilization of district hospital facilities
- Improved early detection and timely interventions
For the Economy
- ₹3,200 crore investment in healthcare infrastructure
- More employment opportunities in healthcare
- Lower financial burden on families due to subsidized treatments
Indian government’s plan to establish 200 Day Care Cancer Centers in 2025-26 is a landmark step towards making cancer treatment accessible to all. By bringing chemotherapy and early cancer interventions to district hospitals, these centres will reduce financial and emotional stress on patients, especially those from rural areas.
While challenges like doctor shortages and infrastructure gaps exist, PPP models, telemedicine, and better training programs can help address these issues. This initiative aligns with India’s long-term healthcare vision, ensuring that no cancer patient is denied treatment due to location or financial constraints.
The upcoming 4,500 daycare cancer beds across India in the next three years could be a game-changer in the fight against cancer, making treatment more accessible, affordable, and efficient.