Facilities to be Operational by June 11, Says Health Minister Vishwajit Rane
In a major step toward improving cancer care accessibility, Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has announced that day-care chemotherapy centres will soon be established at both district hospitals in the state. The facilities are expected to become operational by June 11, aiming to reduce the burden on Goa Medical College (GMC) and provide easier access to treatment for patients living in remote regions.
The announcement was made during the minister’s visit to the North Goa District Hospital, where he reviewed hospital operations following a four-hour power outage.
New Centres to Reduce Dependence on Goa Medical College
According to health department officials, the introduction of chemotherapy services at district hospitals will significantly ease pressure on GMC, which currently remains the only government healthcare institution in Goa offering chemotherapy through its fully functional oncology department.
Officials noted that patients from distant locations often face long and exhausting journeys to access treatment. The new facilities are expected to make cancer care more accessible and convenient for residents across the state.
“Presently, a patient from Canacona seeking treatment at a government hospital must travel all the way to Bambolim. This also means that he or she has to keep an entire day free for treatment,” a health official said.
Improving Access to Cancer Treatment in Remote Areas
The upcoming day-care chemotherapy centres are expected to benefit cancer patients who require regular treatment sessions but do not need prolonged hospital admissions. By decentralizing chemotherapy services, the state government aims to ensure timely treatment while reducing travel-related hardships and costs for patients and their families.
Cancer Cases Rising in Goa
While Goa currently lacks a comprehensive state-level cancer registry, healthcare experts have indicated a steady rise in cancer cases. Gastrointestinal cancers and breast cancer are reported to be among the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in the state.
The expansion of chemotherapy services is being viewed as a crucial measure to address the growing cancer burden and improve patient outcomes.
Goa Cancer Hospital Expected to Open by Year-End
The state government has also announced that the dedicated cancer hospital being developed in Bambolim with central government funding is expected to become operational by the end of the year.
To further strengthen oncology services, the Goa government has partnered with the renowned Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai, which will provide oncology expertise and support services at Goa Medical College.
National Push for Day-Care Cancer Centres
The initiative aligns with the broader national effort to expand cancer treatment infrastructure. Earlier, the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) launched specialized training programmes for doctors and nursing staff under the Prime Minister’s Cancer Day Care Centre initiative. Similar centres are being established across multiple government hospitals in Delhi to improve cancer care delivery and patient access.
The launch of day-care chemotherapy centres in Goa marks a significant advancement in the state’s healthcare infrastructure, bringing specialized cancer treatment closer to patients and strengthening the overall oncology care network.
