The Modi government’s multi-pronged approach—spanning prevention, treatment infrastructure, financial aid, and research—is steering India towards a cancer-free future. The Union Budget 2025-26’s initiatives, coupled with NPCDCS, PMJAY, HMCPF, and the National Cancer Grid, ensure affordable and timely care.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with an estimated 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths recorded in 2022. In India, cancer remains a major public health challenge, with over 14 lakh new cases reported in 2023. With around 100 out of every 1 lakh people diagnosed with the disease, the Indian government has undertaken numerous initiatives to curb the rising burden of cancer. The Modi government, through a combination of robust policies, financial support, and cutting-edge research, is paving the way towards a cancer-free India.
Union Budget 2025-26: Prioritizing Cancer Care
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to cancer care with a substantial allocation in the Union Budget 2025-26. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare received Rs. 99,858.56 crore, with Rs. 95,957.87 crore allocated to the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Rs. 3,900.69 crore for the Department of Health Research. Key budgetary highlights include the establishment of 200 Day Care Cancer Centres in district hospitals in 2025-26 to provide accessible chemotherapy services, customs duty exemptions on 36 lifesaving drugs, including cancer medications, and concessional duty of 5% on six additional lifesaving medicines. Exemptions on specified drugs under Patient Assistance Programmes run by pharmaceutical companies aim to reduce treatment costs for patients.
A Policy-Driven Approach to Cancer Control
The Modi government’s comprehensive cancer strategy revolves around prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment infrastructure.
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS)
A key initiative under the National Health Mission (NHM), NPCDCS integrates cancer control efforts with a focus on health promotion, early detection, and enhanced treatment infrastructure. Community-based screening focuses on early detection of oral, breast, and cervical cancers, while awareness campaigns leverage health workers and digital platforms to promote preventive measures. Infrastructure development has led to the establishment of 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 District Day Care Centres, and 6,410 Community Health Centre NCD Clinics.
Strengthening of Tertiary Care for Cancer Scheme
To decentralize cancer treatment, the government has enhanced specialized cancer care facilities. Nineteen State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and twenty Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) have been established. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Jhajjar, Haryana, and Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) in Kolkata provide advanced treatment and research.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
Launched in 2018, PMJAY provides universal health coverage to economically weaker sections, ensuring access to cancer treatment within 30 days of diagnosis. It covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology, with 90% of registered cancer patients having commenced treatment under the scheme, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)
Under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN), this scheme provides financial assistance up to Rs. 15 lakh for cancer treatment at 27 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs), ensuring equitable access to care for underprivileged patients.
National Cancer Grid (NCG)
The world’s largest cancer network, NCG ensures high-quality, standardized treatment across India. With 287 member institutions treating over 750,000 cancer patients annually, it has significantly improved cancer care accessibility and affordability.
Advancing Cancer Research and Treatment
The Modi government has emphasized research-driven innovation to make cancer treatment more effective and affordable.
India’s First Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy: NexCAR19
In April 2024, India launched NexCAR19, the first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancer, developed by IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT. This breakthrough enhances affordability and strengthens India’s oncology research.
Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative
In partnership with the US, Australia, and Japan, India launched this initiative in 2024 to eliminate cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region through enhanced screening, vaccination, and research collaborations.
Expansion of ACTREC
In January 2025, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) initiated a major expansion to accelerate clinical breakthroughs and establish cutting-edge therapeutic facilities, reinforcing India’s leadership in oncology research.
Awareness and Prevention Campaigns
The Modi government has launched nationwide awareness initiatives to educate people on cancer prevention and healthy living. Community engagement under Ayushman Aarogya Mandir promotes wellness activities and preventive care at primary healthcare centers. Media campaigns mark National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day with extensive public outreach via print, electronic, and social media. Healthy lifestyle promotion is reinforced through initiatives like the Eat Right India Campaign (FSSAI) promoting nutritious eating habits, the Fit India Movement encouraging physical activity, and the Ministry of AYUSH’s yoga programs aiding in cancer prevention.
The Modi government’s multi-pronged approach—spanning prevention, treatment infrastructure, financial aid, and research—is steering India towards a cancer-free future. The Union Budget 2025-26’s initiatives, coupled with NPCDCS, PMJAY, HMCPF, and the National Cancer Grid, ensure affordable and timely care. Breakthrough innovations like NexCAR19 and global partnerships are further strengthening India’s fight against cancer. While challenges remain, continued investment in healthcare, early detection, and awareness will pave the way for Viksit Bharat – a nation free from the burden of cancer.
