New Delhi : The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced plans to allocate an estimated Rs 3,200 crore to establish day-care cancer centres (DCCCs) in more than 740 district hospitals across India over the next three years. This initiative is aimed at improving cancer care in rural areas and easing the burden on tertiary care centres.
Key Details:
- 200 Centres by 2025-26: The government plans to set up 200 DCCCs in the first year, 2025-26.
- Focus on Rural Areas: The aim is to increase the accessibility and quality of cancer treatment in district hospitals, particularly in rural areas, allowing tertiary care centres to focus on more complex cases.
- Gap Assessment: A survey of all district hospitals is underway to identify gaps and assess the infrastructure required for these centres, said Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava.
Additional Budget Provisions:
- Health Research Funding: The Department of Health Research (DHR) has received a special enhancement of Rs 531 crore for the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) five-year Viksit Bharat strategic plan, which focuses on developing indigenous healthcare technologies, tackling health resistance problems, and improving pandemic preparedness.
Pharma Sector Developments:
- Bulk Drug Parks: Two bulk drug parks in Gujarat’s Bharuch and Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalle are set to become operational by FY26.
- Medical Device Parks: Three medical device parks will also be operationalized in Greater Noida, Ujjain, and Kancheepuram, with each receiving Rs 100 crore in support.
- Startup and R&D Support: Proposals will soon be invited to grant Rs 1 crore to 125 startups and up to Rs 100-125 crore for 39 industrial R&D projects, totaling an assistance of Rs 4,250 crore.
This comprehensive initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and supporting the healthcare sector’s growth.
