NEW DELHI, Mar 11: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda announced on Tuesday in the Rajya Sabha that the government plans to open 200 day cancer care centres in the country by 2025-26. These centres, aimed at providing basic cancer care facilities, will be established in every district across India within the next three years.
Replying to queries during Question Hour, Nadda highlighted the government’s commitment to making healthcare affordable, accessible, and equitable. He mentioned that technical and financial support is being provided to states to achieve these goals.
Citing a recent report by The Lancet, the minister noted the significant contribution of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the fight against cancer. “Cancer treatment has begun within 30 days of screening under Ayushman Bharat,” Nadda said, as the treasury benches applauded the announcement.
The health minister also revealed that 22 AIIMS institutions now feature full-fledged oncology departments, with the Jhajjar AIIMS housing the country’s largest 700-bed cancer centre. These facilities provide comprehensive cancer treatments.
Additionally, Nadda addressed a question regarding the Gorakhpur AIIMS, confirming that both its OPD and IPD services are fully operational. He further announced that the government had signed an MoU with Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to convert its medical college into an AIIMS-like institution, with budgeting already in progress.
Tags: Northlines
