Bengaluru Hospitals Shift Majority of Chemotherapy to Daycare Centers
As cancer cases continue to rise in Bengaluru and across Karnataka, hospitals are increasingly transitioning chemotherapy delivery to daycare centers. Nearly 80% of patients now receive their treatment without requiring overnight admission, marking a significant decline in inpatient chemotherapy over recent years.
The Rise of Daycare Chemotherapy
Daycare chemotherapy centers are specifically designed for short-duration treatments, allowing patients to return home the same day. This approach not only reduces hospital costs but also eases bed occupancy pressures in healthcare facilities.
Vasantha (name changed), a 70-year-old breast cancer patient, completed all six of her chemotherapy sessions at a private hospital's daycare center. "After my surgery in September 2025, I was advised to undergo several chemotherapy cycles. I chose the daycare option because it meant I could receive quality rest in the comfort of my home," she explained, noting that this approach was also more financially viable since most costs were covered by insurance.
Government Initiatives and District Centers
In June 2025, the Karnataka government established District Daycare Chemotherapy Centers (DDCCs) in 16 district hospitals to alleviate patient load at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), the state's premier cancer care facility. Since their implementation, these centers have served 451 patients who have undergone 1,341 chemotherapy cycles.
"These centers operate on a hub-and-spoke model, with any complications or medical queries escalated to KMIO," said Dr. Raghunandan, Deputy Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the health department.
Expanding Access Beyond Bengaluru
KMIO is also supporting the DDCC at Mysuru District Hospital, where 32 patients have received 112 chemotherapy cycles to date. "This center is particularly preferred by patients from outside Bengaluru," noted Dr. Naveen T, Director of KMIO. "Many begin their treatment at KMIO and continue subsequent cycles in Mysuru. Patients from Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, and Kodagu frequently access this facility."
Medical Advancements Driving the Shift
Doctors attribute this transition to advancements in cancer therapy. "More patients are opting for daycare treatment due to better tolerability, shorter infusion times, reduced infection risk, cost-effectiveness, and minimal disruption to daily life," explained Dr. Murali Subramanian, Director of Daycare Clinics and Senior Medical Oncologist at HCG Cancer Hospital.
Dr. Amit Rauthan, Head of Department and Consultant in Medical Oncology, Immunotherapy, and Precision Medicine at Manipal Hospital on Old Airport Road, added: "We have approximately 32 beds in our daycare center, with at least 30 occupied daily. Except for about 10% of complex cases such as sarcoma or leukemia, and another 10% of patients apprehensive about side effects, most receive chemotherapy exclusively in daycare settings."
Key Statistics of the Transition
- 80% of chemotherapy is now delivered in daycare centers
- 16 District Daycare Chemotherapy Centers established across Karnataka since June 2025
- 451 patients have received 1,341 chemotherapy cycles at DDCCs
The shift toward daycare chemotherapy represents a significant evolution in cancer care delivery, offering patients more convenient, cost-effective treatment options while optimizing hospital resources across Karnataka.
