Universal Cancer Care: Dr. Jitendra Singh Outlines India’s Strategy for Affordable Advanced Therapies

New Delhi 18 December:- Dr. Jitendra Singh informed Parliament today that the Government of India is successfully transforming cancer care from “selective excellence to universal accessibility.” Addressing the rising global burden of the disease, the Minister emphasized a future-ready strategy that integrates research, technology, and public health. A cornerstone of this mission is the expansion of the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) network, which has grown to 11 hospitals since 2014, supported by a national cancer grid of over 300 facilities.

Dr. Singh highlighted that affordability remains the primary focus, noting that nearly 60% of cancer patients at TMC receive treatment either free of charge or at a nominal cost, bolstered by the Ayushman Bharat scheme.The Minister also detailed India’s significant strides in medical innovation and self-reliance. Highlights include the development of the nation’s first indigenous HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and the production of 24 indigenous radioisotopes for advanced nuclear medicine.

These breakthroughs, such as Lutetium-177 for prostate cancer, ensure that cutting-edge “theranostics” are affordable and accessible even in rural areas. By moving from reactive to proactive care through early detection and indigenous production of essential medicines, the government aims to reduce dependence on expensive imports and transition many cancers from fatal conditions to curable diseases.