On World Cancer Day, Vedanta Limited—India’s leading metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power, and technology conglomerate—reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening India’s cancer care ecosystem through BALCO Medical Centre (BMC). Located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, BMC operates a state-of-the-art 170-bed oncology facility and continues to expand access to affordable, advanced, and curative cancer care across central India.
Advancing Cancer Care in Line with Global Health Goals
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, BALCO Medical Centre is addressing critical gaps in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Since its inception in 2018, the Centre has emerged as a leading hub for comprehensive oncology care. To date, BMC has treated nearly 65,000 patients, performed close to 12,000 major surgeries, and administered over 80,000 chemotherapy sessions.
As per the press release, beyond hospital-based care, BMC actively promotes early detection and prevention. Through more than 500 community health screening camps and cancer awareness programmes, the Centre has extended its reach to both rural and urban populations, reinforcing its long-term commitment to preventive healthcare.
Bridging the Urban–Rural Cancer Care Divide
India continues to shoulder a significant share of the global cancer burden, with a large proportion of cases diagnosed at advanced stages. Moreover, advanced cancer treatment remains concentrated in metropolitan cities, often delaying care for patients from non-metro regions.
In this context, decentralised centres such as BALCO Medical Centre play a vital role. By bringing high-quality oncology services closer to communities, BMC helps reduce treatment delays and improves clinical outcomes for patients across central India.
Delivering Highly Complex Cancer Surgeries
Demonstrating its growing clinical capabilities, BALCO Medical Centre recently performed one of the most complex procedures in oncology—a Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal vein resection—on a 42-year-old patient diagnosed with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Such advanced surgeries are typically available only at a limited number of highly specialised centres worldwide, underscoring BMC’s expertise and infrastructure.
Leadership Emphasises Awareness and Early Detection
Highlighting the importance of World Cancer Day, Ms. Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson, Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, said, “World Cancer Day reminds us that awareness, early detection, and timely treatment are among the most effective tools to reduce the burden of cancer. Through BALCO Medical Centre and our community-focused initiatives, we remain committed to expanding access to quality cancer care and promoting a proactive approach to health. By taking preventive healthcare closer to communities, we aim to contribute to a healthier and more resilient society.”
Reinforcing this focus, Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director, Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, added, “Early diagnosis and informed decision-making significantly improve cancer outcomes. Our World Cancer Day initiatives reflect our dual focus on clinical excellence and community engagement. Through screenings, awareness programmes, and expert-led interactions, we continue to empower individuals with the knowledge and support needed for timely intervention and a better quality of life.”
World Cancer Day Outreach and Preventive Initiatives
As part of its World Cancer Day observance, BALCO Medical Centre organised multiple cancer screening camps across Chhattisgarh in collaboration with community organisations and educational institutions. These efforts aimed to identify cancer risks early and encourage timely medical intervention.
Key initiatives included the ‘Knowledge is Power’ cancer awareness webinar, screening programmes conducted with Terapanth Samaj in Raipur, a camp at Rungta Dental College in Bhilai, and a health talk and screening camp organised in collaboration with the State Health System Resource Centre (SHSRC) and Dear Foundation, Switzerland.
To further encourage preventive healthcare, BMC announced a limited-period 20% concession on select health screening packages from 1–7 February 2026, helping reduce financial barriers to early diagnosis.
A Holistic Approach to Cancer Care
As the flagship initiative of the Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (VMRF), BALCO Medical Centre continues to improve access to quality medical care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of lakhs of people. The Centre’s team of renowned cancer specialists regularly engages with students, working professionals, and community members through awareness talks, health camps, and webinars.
In addition to comprehensive cancer treatment, BMC offers integrated psychological, nutritional, and physical therapy support. Patients also benefit from dedicated support groups that provide emotional and social support throughout their cancer care journey, ensuring a truly holistic approach to healing.