Cancer day care centres to be set up in 200 districts this year: Nadda

Union Health Minister JP Nadda announced that cancer day care centres would be established in 200 districts across the nation this year. Within three years, the government planned to make this facility available in every district, he said, stressing that providing world-class medicare to all Indians was the government's top priority.

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He made these remarks while addressing a gathering at a national seminar on cancer, held at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Badhsa village on Saturday.

Nadda highlighted the BJP government's efforts to provide cutting-edge cancer treatments. “In the past, families had to sell houses and lands to afford cancer treatment. Now, with the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and affordable cancer medications, cancer patients have easy access to treatment," he said.

On the occasion, the minister dedicated the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Radio Nucleicid Therapy Ward and Free Generic Dispensary to the public on the NCI premises. He took stock of the facilities available there and also visited Vishram Sadan.

“Until 1998, there was only one AIIMS in the country. Under the leadership of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 16 AIIMS were established, and this number has increased to 22 in the government led by PM Narendra Modi. Research and innovation in the medical field are now driven by humanitarian values. The government is formulating policies that prioritise public interest, and doctors, paramedics, and scientists are working tirelessly. As a result, there is no longer any need to travel abroad for cancer treatment,” he said.

He also honoured individuals and institutions making significant contributions to social service in the medical field.