Jharkhand's Health Sector Receives Major Boost with Rs 200 Crore Cancer Treatment Fund
In a significant move to enhance healthcare infrastructure, the Jharkhand government has allocated a substantial Rs 200 crore exclusively for cancer treatment in its annual budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. State Finance Minister Radha Krishana Kishore presented the budget at the state assembly on Tuesday, outlining ambitious plans to strengthen primary, secondary, and tertiary health centers across the state.
Budgetary Allocation and Health Sector Growth
The total allocation for the health sector in the current budget stands at an impressive Rs 7,990.30 crore. This represents a notable 6.96% increase compared to the previous fiscal year's allocation of Rs 7,470.51 crore. The dedicated Rs 200 crore for cancer prevention marks a focused effort to address one of the state's most pressing health challenges.
Addressing the Rising Cancer Burden
During his budget speech, Finance Minister Kishore highlighted the alarming rise in cancer cases across Jharkhand over the past decade. "For cancer treatment, patients have to travel to other states," he stated, emphasizing the hardship faced by residents. To alleviate this burden, the government plans to install PET and CT scan machines in five medical colleges and hospitals, enabling patients to undergo essential diagnostic tests within the state itself.
Enhancing Diagnostic Capabilities for Women's Health
Recognizing the growing incidence of breast cancer among women, the budget includes provisions for installing mammography testing machines in all 24 district sadar hospitals. This initiative aims to ensure early detection and prompt treatment, potentially saving countless lives through timely intervention.
Infrastructure Upgrades and PPP Model Implementation
In addition to cancer care enhancements, the budget outlines comprehensive infrastructure improvements:
- Establishment of cathlabs in medical colleges and hospitals to support advanced cardiac care.
- Upgradation of district sadar hospitals to medical colleges and hospitals through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The phased implementation plan includes:
- First Phase: Upgrading sadar hospitals in Dhanbad, Giridih, Jamtara, and Khunti to medical college and hospital status.
- Second Phase: Extending similar upgrades to sadar hospitals in Latehar, Sahebganj, and Seraikela-Kharsawan.
Comprehensive Healthcare Vision
Finance Minister Kishore emphasized that these measures are part of a broader strategy to provide "prompt, affordable, and quality health services" to the people of Jharkhand. By reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside the state and enhancing local diagnostic capabilities, the government aims to create a more resilient and accessible healthcare system.
The budget's focus on cancer treatment, combined with infrastructure upgrades and PPP collaborations, reflects a holistic approach to addressing both immediate health crises and long-term systemic improvements in Jharkhand's healthcare landscape.
