Responding to a series of questions in Parliament on December 18, 2025, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the Government’s multi-pronged strategy to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research, and affordability. He emphasized that these initiatives particularly benefit economically weaker sections of society.
Dr. Singh explained that the Government is actively transforming cancer care from selective excellence to universal accessibility. This transformation is driven by the integration of research, advanced technology, and public health measures.
Streamlining Hospital Admissions and Expanding Oncology Services
Acknowledging the emotional and logistical challenges cancer patients and their families face, Dr. Singh stated that the Government is simplifying hospital admission procedures. Simultaneously, it is expanding oncology facilities at the district level to reduce referral pressure on tertiary hospitals, ensuring timely care closer to patients’ homes.
Since 2014, 11 Tata Memorial Centre hospitals have been established nationwide, complemented by a National Cancer Care Grid covering over 300 hospitals. These initiatives standardize cancer care and improve accessibility. Major expansions, such as the Platinum Block at Navi Mumbai, are also underway.
Rising Cancer Incidence and the Importance of Early Detection
Dr. Singh noted that the rise in cancer cases is a global phenomenon, fueled by longer life expectancy, environmental factors, lifestyle changes, and early onset of non-communicable diseases. He emphasized, “Cancer today is no longer a disease of old age alone. Early diagnosis has transformed many cancers from fatal to curable.”
Advancing Cancer Research and Targeted Therapies
The Minister highlighted ongoing research at institutions including the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT), Tata Memorial Centre, and teaching hospitals. Research focuses not only on treating cancer but also on minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy through radioprotective agents and precision-targeted technologies.
Ensuring Affordability in Cancer Care
Dr. Singh underlined that affordability remains central to the Government’s cancer care strategy. Nearly 60% of patients at Tata Memorial Centre receive treatment free or at nominal cost, supported by schemes such as Ayushman Bharat. Even paid services are significantly cheaper than those at corporate hospitals.
To reduce dependency on imports, the Government ensures the timely availability of essential cancer medicines through public hospitals and indigenous production. Additionally, India has developed its first indigenous HPV vaccine, a preventive measure against cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among young Indian women (as per Government of India Press Information Bureau).
International Collaboration and Capacity Building
Dr. Singh highlighted 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. Tata Memorial Centre uniquely combines patient care, teaching, and cutting-edge research. As a deemed university, it offers super-specialty training in oncology, pediatric oncology, and nuclear medicine across multiple states, including Assam.
Indigenous Advanced Theranostics and Nuclear Medicine
Responding to queries on advanced therapies like Lutetium-177 PSMA-617 for prostate cancer, Dr. Singh reported that India has developed 24 indigenous radioisotopes over the past decade for diagnostic and therapeutic use. These innovations, targeting prostate cancer and childhood blood cancers, ensure that cutting-edge nuclear medicine remains affordable and scalable—even in remote rural areas.