Cancer remains one of the most pressing healthcare challenges in India, with the disease’s prevalence expected to rise significantly. In 2023, over 14 lakh new cancer cases were reported in India, highlighting an urgent need for a robust healthcare strategy. The Government of India, recognizing the gravity of the situation, has introduced comprehensive policies, funding allocations, and strategic partnerships to combat cancer.

For healthcare leaders and private organizations in oncology, diagnostics, and treatment infrastructure, these developments present significant opportunities to drive innovation, collaborate with the government, and deliver impactful healthcare solutions.

Government Initiatives for Strengthening India’s Cancer Care Infrastructure

1- Union Budget 2025-26: Prioritizing Cancer Care

The government has allocated Rs. 99,858.56 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with Rs. 95,957.87 crore designated for the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Rs. 3,900.69 crore for the Department of Health Research. Key allocations include:

• Day Care Cancer Centres: 200 centers to be established in district hospitals by 2025-26.
• Customs Duty Exemptions:
  • 36 life-saving drugs for cancer, rare diseases, and chronic diseases exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD).
  • Six essential medicines to attract a concessional customs duty of 5%.
  • Drugs under patient assistance programs of pharmaceutical firms fully exempted from BCD.

These measures reduce costs for patients and create avenues for private pharmaceutical firms, diagnostics providers, and treatment centers to partner with government schemes.

2- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS)

This flagship initiative under the National Health Mission (NHM) focuses on early detection, treatment, and prevention of major non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer. Key components include:

• Cancer screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancers at the community level.
• Awareness programs through digital platforms and community health workers.
• Infrastructure development, including tertiary cancer centers (TCCs) and state cancer institutes (SCIs).
• Existing infrastructure:
  • 770 District NCD Clinics
  • 233 Cardiac Care Units
  • 372 District Day Care Centres
  • 6,410 Community Health Centre NCD Clinics

For diagnostics companies and medical technology providers, NPCDCS presents a strong market for screening technologies, digital health solutions, and AI-driven diagnostics tools.

3- Tertiary Cancer Care Network Expansion

The government has decentralized cancer treatment through:

• 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs).
• Advanced cancer research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Jhajjar, and Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata.

Private oncology hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical firms can collaborate in these centers for drug development, AI-driven cancer diagnostics, and specialized treatment solutions.

4- Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Reducing Financial Burden on Cancer Patients

Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat has revolutionized access to cancer treatment for economically vulnerable populations. Key features include:

• Coverage for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology.
• Over 90% of registered cancer patients have commenced treatment under the scheme.
• Timely access to care within 30 days.

This offers immense opportunities for private insurance firms, hospital chains, and digital health platforms to integrate their solutions with government-backed schemes.

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5- Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)

This scheme provides financial aid up to Rs. 15 lakh for cancer treatment at 27 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) with a revolving fund of Rs. 50 lakh allocated per center.

Private hospitals and diagnostics providers can align with RCCs to improve accessibility and affordability of advanced cancer treatment.

6- National Cancer Grid (NCG): Standardizing Cancer Care

With 287 members, including cancer centers, research institutions, and advocacy groups, NCG treats over 750,000 new cancer patients annually, covering 60% of India’s cancer burden.

The NCG collaborates with Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY, ensuring affordable, evidence-based cancer treatment and contributing to India’s National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).

Business opportunities exist for digital health firms, AI-driven cancer diagnostics startups, and pharmaceutical manufacturers to integrate with the NCG network.

Research & Innovation: Transforming Cancer Treatment

1. India’s First Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy: NexCAR19

Developed by IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT, NexCAR19 provides an affordable, indigenous alternative for blood cancer treatment, reducing reliance on expensive imports.

Opportunities for biotech firms and pharmaceutical manufacturers include investing in R&D partnerships and scaling up localized CAR-T cell production.

2. Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative

India, alongside the US, Australia, and Japan, launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative in 2024, focusing on eliminating cervical cancer across the Indo-Pacific region.

This presents opportunities for Indian biotech firms, vaccine developers, and research institutions to contribute to global cancer elimination efforts.

3. Expansion of ACTREC

The Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), part of Tata Memorial Centre, is undergoing expansion to enhance oncology care and clinical breakthroughs.

Private healthcare organizations and technology firms can partner in clinical trials, drug discovery, and cutting-edge cancer treatment solutions.

Awareness & Preventive Strategies

The government is driving awareness through:

• Ayushman Aarogya Mandir – Strengthening cancer prevention at the primary care level.
• Media campaigns – Using print, electronic, and social media to spread awareness.
• Healthy Eating & Fitness Initiatives – Eat Right India (FSSAI) and Fit India Movement (Ministry of Youth Affairs).

Indian healthcare firms can leverage these initiatives by offering telehealth platforms, AI-based risk prediction tools, and preventive wellness solutions.

A Lucrative Opportunity for B2B Healthcare Leaders

India’s aggressive stance on cancer prevention and treatment has opened new doors for private healthcare organizations. Government-backed policies, financial incentives, and expanded infrastructure create an ideal ecosystem for B2B collaboration.

Key Opportunities for Private Players:

• Diagnostics & Screening Technologies: AI-based cancer detection, genomic testing, and telepathology services.
• Pharmaceuticals & Biotech: Localized drug development, CAR-T cell therapy expansion, and immunotherapy.
• Hospital Networks & Oncology Centers: Private sector involvement in tertiary cancer care expansion.
• Digital Health & AI: Smart patient management, electronic health records, and AI-driven predictive analytics.
• Medical Equipment & Infrastructure: Advanced radiotherapy machines, robotic surgery, and nuclear medicine.

With continued investment, strategic partnerships, and innovation-driven solutions, India is well on its way to achieving comprehensive and accessible cancer care, positioning the private sector as a critical driver of this transformation.

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