Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini Inaugurates 17 Day Care Cancer Centres, Achieving Full State Coverage
In a significant move to enhance cancer care accessibility, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini virtually inaugurated Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCC) in 17 districts on Wednesday. This expansion brings the total number of such centres to 22, ensuring that every district in the state now has a facility dedicated to providing affordable and convenient cancer treatment closer to patients' homes.
Budget Initiative Fully Implemented to Combat Public Health Challenge
The initiative, originally announced in the 2025-26 state budget, has been fully implemented on the ground. Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao joined the ceremony virtually, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing cancer as a serious public health issue not only in Haryana but across India.
Chief Minister Saini emphasized, "Cancer has emerged as a critical public health challenge. In response, our health department is delivering comprehensive prevention, screening, and treatment services under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)." Regular screenings for oral, breast, and cervical cancer are being conducted for individuals aged 30 years and above as part of these efforts.
Comprehensive Services and Cost Savings for Patients
With the launch of these new centres, patients will have access to a range of essential services within their own districts. These include chemotherapy, follow-up treatment, palliative and supportive care, and symptom management. Dedicated Cancer OPDs, Pain and Palliative Care OPDs, and structured post-treatment follow-up services will be provided free of cost, significantly easing the financial burden on affected families.
Saini highlighted the economic benefits, stating, "Providing services at the district level will reduce travel, accommodation, and related expenses for patients, potentially resulting in average savings of up to Rs 3.3 lakh per patient. This initiative also alleviates the burden on major hospitals, allowing them to focus more on complex cases."
Hub and Spoke Model for Enhanced Care Coordination
Officials explained that the centres will operate under a 'Hub and Spoke' model. Key institutions such as PGIMS in Rohtak, the National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, Sarvodaya Hospital in Faridabad, and the Atal Cancer Care Centre in Ambala Cantonment will serve as hubs, providing expert guidance and support to district hospitals. This model ensures a coordinated approach to cancer care across the state.
The Atal Cancer Care Centre in Ambala Cantonment, for instance, is already offering advanced facilities including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and palliative care. In 2025 alone, thousands of patients received treatment at this centre, with numerous chemotherapy sessions, mammographies, brachytherapy procedures, and cancer surgeries performed.
Additional Social Support Measures for Cancer Patients
Beyond medical services, the state government is implementing social support initiatives to further assist cancer patients. Free travel facilities are being provided to patients and one attendant in Haryana roadways buses, with thousands benefiting from this scheme in the previous financial year.
Through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Antyodaya (SEWA), financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month is being extended to Stage III and Stage IV cancer patients whose annual family income is less than Rs 3 lakh. This holistic approach aims to ensure that patients receive not only medical care but also necessary financial and logistical support.
Commitment to Expanding Cancer Care Services
Health Minister Arti Singh Rao reaffirmed the department's dedication to expanding cancer care services, enhancing early detection efforts, and ensuring that every patient receives quality treatment with dignity and support. This initiative marks a pivotal step in Haryana's healthcare strategy, aiming to make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable for all residents.
