The government aims to establish 200 cancer daycare centres in three years, starting with government hospitals that have basic oncology infrastructure. Key requirements include trained staff, including oncologists, nurses, and proper medical facilities like chemotherapy units
Published Feb 01, 2025 | 8:46 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 01, 2025 | 8:46 PM
Cancer
To make cancer care accessible and affordable, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of 200 cancer daycare centres in government hospitals over the next three years as part of the Union Budget 2025.
This move by the Central government mirrors initiatives already undertaken by several states, including Karnataka to improve cancer care infrastructure. It can be noted that Karnataka has been proactive in enhancing cancer treatment facilities. In its 2024-25 budget, Karnataka announced the establishment of daycare chemotherapy centres in each district. They announced the provision of digital mammography machines to 20 district hospitals and colposcopy machines to KC general hospital in Bengaluru and other district hospitals.
The central government’s initiative seeks to build upon the state-level efforts, probably aiming for a more uniform distribution of cancer care services nationwide.
The initiative aims to decentralise cancer treatment, ensuring that patients across the country—particularly in rural and underserved regions—can receive chemotherapy and other treatments without needing to travel to hospitals in metros. Karnataka has already made preparations to inaugurate the same scheme in March.
Taking to social media platform X, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao called the budget “disappointing.”
Disappointing #UnionBudget2025 for Health Sector.
No #AIIMS for Raichur, Karnataka
No increase in Honorarium for #ASHA workers
No HPV vaccination for girls/womenDay Care Chemotherapy Centres in all District Hospitals is welcome but in Karnataka we are already all set to…
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) February 1, 2025
A daycare cancer centre is a facility where cancer patients can receive chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy on an outpatient basis. Unlike traditional cancer hospitals where patients may need to be admitted for multiple days, daycare centres allow them to receive treatment and return home the same day.
The announcement aligns with the government’s broader goal of strengthening India’s public healthcare system and making specialised treatments more accessible at the district and regional levels.
Key benefits of daycare Cancer centres
1. More accessible treatment for rural India
Currently, cancer treatment is largely concentrated in major cities, forcing patients from smaller towns and villages to travel long distances to receive chemotherapy. By setting up 200 daycare centres in government hospitals, the initiative will bring treatment closer to home, reducing travel and associated costs.
2. Reduced financial burden on patients
Cancer treatment is expensive, and hospitalisation adds to the financial strain. Since daycare centres provide outpatient treatment, they eliminate hospital admission costs, making treatment more affordable for low-income families.
3. Convenience and comfort for patients and families
Patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience extreme fatigue. Daycare centres allow them to return home the same day, improving their comfort and mental well-being. Caregivers and family members won’t have to take extended time off work to stay with patients in hospitals.
4. Decongesting major Cancer hospitals
Leading cancer hospitals in metro cities like AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology often face huge patient loads, leading to long waiting times.
With more treatment facilities available at the regional level, these hospitals can focus on complex and critical cases while common treatments are provided at daycare centres.
The government plans to roll out 200 daycare cancer centres over the next three years, with an initial focus on government hospitals that already have basic oncology infrastructure.
However, the initiative will require: Adequate staffing, including trained oncologists, nurses, and technicians in each centre.
Medical infrastructure, such as chemotherapy units and drug storage facilities. Awareness campaigns to inform people about the availability of treatment in their districts.
Oncologists and healthcare professionals have welcomed the move, stating that it could revolutionise cancer care in India.
Dr N K Pandey, Chairman and Managing Director of Asian Hospital told South First, “The government’s plan to set up cancer care daycare centres in district hospitals will ensure that specialised oncology care reaches smaller towns and rural areas, reducing the burden on major hospitals.”
Meanwhile, Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director and Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, said the district hospitals will significantly improve cancer care accessibility in underserved areas. Dr Aakar Kapoor, CEO of City X-Ray and Scan Clinic, said this move will increase the demand for early and precise diagnostics.
Doctors opined that many cancer patients discontinue treatment because of logistical and financial challenges. This initiative will help save lives by ensuring they receive timely chemotherapy without major disruptions.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
