In 2026 the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced a major expansion of cancer care services across India. The move aims to improve early detection, reduce treatment delays and strengthen tertiary care capacity under existing national health programmes.
Key Developments
- Under the NP‑NCD, 770 District NCD Clinics, 524 DCCCs, and 6,410 NCD clinics at Community Health Centres have been established.
- The AB‑PMJAY now includes cash‑less treatment for oncology procedures, allowing eligible families to access medical, surgical and radiation oncology services in empanelled hospitals.
- Population‑based screening for oral, breast and cervical cancers is being carried out for individuals aged 30 years and above through the NHM using trained ASHAs and ANMs.
- The Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme has approved 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres.
- Tata Memorial Centre has opened hospitals in Varanasi, Visakhapatnam, New Chandigarh, Guwahati, Sangrur and Muzaffarpur.
- All 22 newly inaugurated AIIMS have been linked to the expanded cancer care network.
Important Facts
• 770 District NCD Clinics and