Responding to a series of questions in Parliament on the rising burden of cancer care in the country, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined the Government’s multi-pronged, future-ready strategy to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research and affordability. The focus, he said, is on ensuring equitable access, particularly for economically weaker sections, while leveraging research, technology and public health integration.
From Selective Excellence to Universal Accessibility
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that cancer care in India is undergoing a fundamental shift—from being concentrated in a few centres of excellence to becoming universally accessible. Acknowledging the emotional and logistical stress faced by patients and their families during hospital admissions, he said the Government is working to streamline admission processes and expand oncology services at the district level, thereby reducing the burden on tertiary hospitals.
Expanding Infrastructure and National Cancer Grid
Highlighting major capacity-building efforts since 2014, the Minister informed the House that 11 Tata Memorial Centre hospitals have been established across the country. These are integrated into a National Cancer Care Grid covering over 300 hospitals, ensuring standardised protocols and accessible cancer services closer to patients’ homes. Major infrastructure expansions, including the Platinum Block at Navi Mumbai, are also underway to meet growing demand.
Rising Cancer Incidence: A Global Trend
Addressing concerns about the increasing prevalence of cancer, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that this rise is a global phenomenon, driven by longer life expectancy, environmental exposure, lifestyle changes and the early onset of non-communicable diseases. He emphasised that cancer is no longer a disease confined to old age, and that early detection has transformed many cancers from fatal to curable, significantly improving survival outcomes.
Research, Innovation and Safer Therapies
The Minister highlighted ongoing research efforts through institutions such as the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT), Tata Memorial Centre and teaching hospitals. These initiatives focus not only on cancer treatment but also on reducing side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy through radioprotective agents and precision-targeted technologies, improving both outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Affordability at the Core of Cancer Policy
Affordability, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, remains central to the Government’s cancer care approach. At the Tata Memorial Centre, nearly 60% of patients receive treatment free of cost or at nominal charges, supported by schemes such as Ayushman Bharat. Even paid services, he added, are significantly more affordable than those at corporate hospitals.
The Government is also ensuring the timely availability of essential cancer medicines through public hospitals and indigenous manufacturing, reducing dependence on costly imports.
Preventive Care and Indigenous Vaccines
A major milestone highlighted by the Minister was the development of India’s first indigenous HPV vaccine, led by the Department of Biotechnology. The vaccine plays a preventive role against cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among young Indian women, and marks a significant advancement in India’s preventive healthcare capabilities.
Global Collaboration and Capacity Building
On international cooperation, Dr. Jitendra Singh cited the Tata Memorial Centre’s partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the “Rays of Hope” initiative, which trains healthcare professionals from low- and middle-income countries. He noted that Tata Memorial uniquely integrates patient care, education and advanced research, functioning as a deemed university and offering super-specialty training in oncology, paediatric oncology and nuclear medicine across several states, including Assam.
Advanced Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics
Responding to queries on advanced theranostic treatments such as Lutetium-177 PSMA-617 for prostate cancer, the Minister stated that India has developed 24 indigenous radioisotopes over the past decade for diagnostic and therapeutic use. These innovations include world-class solutions for prostate cancer and childhood blood cancers, ensuring that cutting-edge nuclear medicine remains affordable, scalable and accessible, even in remote and rural regions.
Conclusion
Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a comprehensive, inclusive and innovation-driven cancer care ecosystem. By expanding infrastructure, investing in research, promoting preventive measures and ensuring affordability, India is steadily transforming cancer care into a universal public health service—one that offers hope, dignity and advanced treatment options to patients across the country.
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Source: PIB
