Pune is poised to receive a significant boost to its healthcare infrastructure with the establishment of a new cancer hospital affiliated with the BJ Medical College (BJMC). This facility is designed to address a crucial shortage in the city's medical services while simultaneously expanding the educational horizons of the college by establishing its first dedicated oncology department.
Filling a Critical Void in Pune's Healthcare
The hospital represents a key component of the Maharashtra state government's ambitious strategy to implement a district-wise, three-tiered system for cancer treatment. Operating under the Department of Medical Education and Drugs, the Pune centre will function as an L2 (Level 2) comprehensive care hospital. This classification places it just below apex institutions like the Tata Memorial Hospital (L1) in the hierarchy.
As an L2 centre, the Pune hospital will provide permanent and comprehensive cancer care facilities. More than just a treatment hub, it is envisioned to become a leading centre for oncology research and education in the region. A major breakthrough is the formal introduction of specialized medical training in cancer, which has been absent at BJMC until now.
A Leap Forward in Medical Education and Research
The state government has granted approval for postgraduate and super-specialty education programs in oncology. This includes degrees and fellowships such as MD, MS, DM, MCh, and DNB. The establishment of the hospital will finally allow BJMC to create structured cancer-related training programs and foster advanced clinical research, directly benefiting both medical students and patients seeking cutting-edge care.
The need for a dedicated cancer hospital in Pune was first proposed back in 2016. To oversee this and similar institutions across the state, the government has formed the Mahacare Foundation, chaired by the Chief Minister. This body will manage recruitment, implement public-private partnership (PPP) models, and handle administrative functions, with guardian ministers of concerned districts serving as invited members.
The Three-Tier Statewide Cancer Care Network
Modelled on a framework pioneered by Assam, Maharashtra's plan categorizes cancer care into three levels. L1 is the apex body (Tata Memorial Hospital). L2 comprises comprehensive care centres attached to government medical colleges. L3 refers to peripheral centres for diagnosis and day care.
The Pune facility is one of 18 cancer hospitals approved across various districts. Other designated L2 centres include government medical colleges in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Mumbai's J.J. Hospital, Kolhapur, and Nanded, along with referral hospitals in Nashik and Amravati. Officials have indicated that L2 centres, including Pune's, could potentially be upgraded to L1 status in the future based on patient load and educational needs.
Meanwhile, nine L3 peripheral centres are planned for locations including Ambajogai (Beed), Yavatmal, Mumbai's Cama and Albless Hospitals, Satara, Baramati, Jalgaon, Ratnagiri, Thane District Hospital, and Shirdi Sansthan Hospital. These will focus on diagnosis, day-care radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. While the government will fund their construction, they will be operated on a PPP basis, with the state retaining full operational control.
This integrated approach promises to significantly enhance cancer care accessibility, specialized training, and research capabilities, marking a transformative phase for Pune's medical landscape.
