Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC) marked its 30th Foundation Day and Annual Day with a special celebration themed “Three Decades of Ethics, Empathy & Excellence in Cancer Care.” Held at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Rohini, New Delhi, on November 11, 2026, the event brought together the institute’s leadership, clinicians, employees and members of the RGCIRC community to celebrate its three-decade journey and reflect on its contributions to cancer care.
RGCIRC Marks Three Decades of Cancer Care Excellence
Established in 1996, RGCIRC has developed into one of India’s leading dedicated cancer care institutions. Over the years, the institute has strengthened its oncology services by combining specialised clinical expertise, advanced medical technology, multidisciplinary treatment and research.
The celebration began with a welcome address by Dr. D. S. Gangwar, CEO, RGCIRC, followed by an address by Mr. Ashok Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, RGCIRC. Both leaders reflected on the institute’s journey and reiterated its commitment to delivering cancer care guided by ethics, empathy and excellence.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gangwar highlighted the importance of compassionate care alongside clinical excellence. He said the institute’s vision of a ‘Happy Hospital’ goes beyond medical treatment to ensure that no patient feels abandoned and no caregiver feels unsupported. He also emphasised that the institute’s success depends on the dedication of its employees and their continued commitment to patient welfare.
New Facilities and Initiatives Strengthen Patient Care
As part of its ongoing efforts to improve cancer care, RGCIRC has introduced several infrastructure and patient-care initiatives. These include high-dependency units, a new day-care facility, a renovated paediatric ward and an upgraded blood bank.
Additionally, the institute launched a ‘Cancer Awareness on Wheels’ bus to expand community outreach and improve cancer awareness.
RGCIRC also continues to support patients from economically weaker sections (EWS) by providing free diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, along with nutritional support at discharge. During the year, EWS outpatient department (OPD) visits increased by 83.6% to 18,774, while admissions among EWS patients grew by 27.8%.
RGCIRC Announces Expansion Plans for 2027
Looking ahead, RGCIRC plans to expand its cancer care infrastructure significantly. Mr. Agarwal announced that the institute expects to begin operations at a 150-bed cancer hospital in Niti Bagh in 2027. Meanwhile, construction of a 650-bed cancer hospital in Greater Noida is expected to begin next year.
Together with its existing 500-bed facility in Rohini, these developments will increase RGCIRC’s total planned capacity to approximately 1,300 beds, strengthening its ability to provide specialised cancer treatment to more patients.
Mr. Agarwal also highlighted three management initiatives aimed at improving the patient experience. These include assigning a dedicated team member to guide every new patient through their hospital journey, introducing a monthly ‘Happiness Champions’ award and collecting continuous patient feedback throughout treatment.
He reiterated that the institute’s approach remains centred on putting patients first, ensuring that every decision and initiative supports their needs and well-being.
Awards Recognise Employees and Institutional Contributions
The Foundation Day celebration also featured an award ceremony recognising individuals and teams for their dedication, service and contributions to RGCIRC. The recognition highlighted the collective efforts of doctors, nurses, researchers, technicians, administrators and support staff in strengthening the institute’s cancer care services.
Furthermore, a cultural presentation brought employees and members of the RGCIRC community together, adding a celebratory touch to the milestone event.
Strengthening Cancer Research and Comprehensive Oncology Services
Over the past three decades, RGCIRC has expanded its capabilities across medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, diagnostics, research and supportive care. The institute has also focused on preventive oncology, patient welfare, survivorship programmes, medical education and academic collaborations.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vineet Talwar, Medical Director, RGCIRC. He acknowledged the collective contributions of the institute’s employees and highlighted the importance of teamwork, continuous improvement and technological advancements in delivering better patient experiences and treatment outcomes.
As RGCIRC enters its fourth decade, the institute aims to further strengthen specialised oncology services, research, technology adoption, patient support and medical education. Its future roadmap continues to reflect the founding principles of Ethics, Empathy and Excellence, with a sustained focus on improving cancer care and making advanced treatment more accessible.
As per the company press release, RGCIRC’s 30-year journey reflects its continued commitment to patient-centric cancer care, clinical excellence, research and expansion of specialised oncology services.