A Step Towards Advanced Cancer Research & Treatment in India
Jhajjar: Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, inaugurated the 2nd AIIMS Oncology Conclave 2025 at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), AIIMS Jhajjar campus today.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), one of India’s largest public-funded healthcare projects, has been a pioneer in providing innovative cancer treatment and research since its inception in 2019. The Oncology Conclave aims to bring together leading experts in oncology from all Institutes of National Importance (INIs) across India to discuss advancements in cancer care, treatment methodologies, and research initiatives.
With a special focus on breast cancers and head & neck cancers, the conclave emphasizes collaborative efforts in cancer prevention and management.
Shri Nadda’s Address: Strengthening Cancer Care in India
Shri JP Nadda praised NCI’s growth, stating:
“In just six years, the institute has evolved into a world-class referral center offering multidisciplinary care. It now stands as a beacon of patient-centric cancer treatment.”
He commended the dedication of doctors, healthcare workers, and administrators for making this progress possible.
New Facilities for Cancer Treatment
During his visit, Shri Nadda inaugurated:
✅ Nuclear Medicine Targeted Treatment Ward – Designed for advanced thyroid cancer treatment
✅ Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Unit – Specialized care for hematolymphoid cancers
He remarked that these new facilities will provide state-of-the-art cancer care to patients in the region.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s healthcare system is evolving rapidly. Bone Marrow Transplant is now accessible at NCI, ensuring world-class treatment for all,” Shri Nadda emphasized.
Government’s Commitment to Cancer Prevention & Treatment
Shri Nadda highlighted key government initiatives to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer:
🩺 Cancer Screening & Prevention
🔹 30+ age group screening under NHM at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
🔹 26 crore people screened for oral cancer
🔹 14 crore for breast cancer
🔹 9 crore for cervical cancer
🏥 Tertiary Cancer Care Expansion
🔹 ₹3000 crore approved (2014-2026) for 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) & 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centers (TCCCs)
🔹 Cancer treatment facilities established in all 22 new AIIMS
💰 Affordable Cancer Treatment Under Ayushman Bharat (AB PM-JAY)
🔹 Cancer treatment available under 219 packages
🔹 68.43 lakh hospital admissions worth ₹13,160.75 crore authorized for cancer care
🔹 AMRIT Pharmacies offering 5200 medicines (including 289 oncology drugs) at up to 50% discount
🔹 ₹6567 crore saved for 5.8 crore beneficiaries
🏡 Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in Districts
🔹 200 new centers planned in 2025 to bring cancer treatment closer to rural patients
📊 Improved Access to Treatment
🔹 90% rise in timely cancer treatment initiation due to AB-PMJAY (as per The Lancet study)
Boosting Research & Innovation at NCI
Shri Nadda lauded NCI’s collaboration with startups and researchers through the Centre for Medical Innovations and Entrepreneurship (CMIE). He highlighted:
✅ Support for Indian healthcare startups through mentorship & AIIMS faculty guidance
✅ Access to advanced laboratory equipment at nominal rates
✅ Bootcamps for entrepreneurs to develop medical solutions for India
“This institution is shaping the future of healthcare innovation in India,” he said.
720 Additional Posts Approved for NCI Jhajjar
To further strengthen cancer care at NCI, Shri Nadda announced the creation of 720 additional posts, including:
✔️ Faculty positions
✔️ Senior/Junior Residents
✔️ Scientists
✔️ Nurses & Technicians
✔️ Administrative Staff
“With these additional posts, NCI will rise to greater heights,” he affirmed.
Felicitation & Awareness Initiatives
🔹 Shri Nadda felicitated social activists & organizations for their efforts in replacement-donation-free blood transfusions for cancer patients.
🔹 Launched an educational short film on tobacco cessation under NCI’s preventive oncology unit.
AIIMS Oncology Conclave 2025: Advancing Cancer Care
The conclave, themed “Discuss Practice and Research Avenues in Breast Cancer”, aimed to:
📌 Foster innovation in cancer care
📌 Enhance collaborations between AIIMS & INIs across India
📌 Address challenges in breast cancer & head and neck cancers
It featured renowned oncologists, healthcare policymakers, scientists, and entrepreneurs from:
✔️ AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Jhajjar, PGI Chandigarh, JIPMER Puducherry
✔️ Medical professionals & faculty members from all AIIMS institutes across India
Conclusion
Shri Nadda emphasized:
“Cancer cases in India are rising, with 1.45 million new patients each year. We must expand advanced cancer treatment at local levels so that patients don’t have to travel far. It is our responsibility to make this happen.”
With new cancer care initiatives, expanded facilities, and increased manpower, the Government of India and NCI-AIIMS Jhajjar are making world-class oncology treatment accessible to all Indians.
