The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced initiative to enhance cancer care across the country. An estimated expenditure of Rs 3,200 crore will be allocated to establish day-care cancer centres (DCCCs) in over 740 district hospitals within the next three years. This initiative aims to improve access to quality cancer treatment, particularly in rural areas, and to alleviate the burden on tertiary care centres.
Establishment of Day-Care Cancer Centres
The plan includes the establishment of 200 DCCCs in the fiscal year 2025-26. The health ministry has initiated a survey of district hospitals to identify existing gaps in cancer care services. The DCCCs will provide essential cancer treatments, allowing tertiary centres to focus on more complex cases.
Funding and Budget Allocation
The initiative is part of a broader increase in the health budget. The Department of Health Research (DHR) received an 18 per cent budget increase, along with a special enhancement of Rs 531 crore for the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) five-year strategic plan, Viksit Bharat. This plan encompasses six key areas including indigenous healthcare technologies and pandemic preparedness.
Focus on Indigenous Healthcare Technologies
The Viksit Bharat plan aims to develop cell and gene therapies, address resistant health problems, and implement digital and AI solutions in healthcare. It also seeks to translate research findings into practical applications and improve the global standing of Indian medical research institutions.
Development of Medical Infrastructure
In addition to DCCCs, the government plans to operationalise two bulk drug parks in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh and three medical device parks in Greater Noida, Ujjain, and Kancheepuram by the financial year 2025-26. These parks are expected to boost the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.
Support for Startups and Research Projects
The government will invite proposals to support 125 startups with Rs 1 crore each and 39 industrial research and development projects with funding ranging from Rs 100 to 125 crore. This initiative aims to stimulate innovation in the healthcare sector with a total assistance of Rs 4,250 crore.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these advancements, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to cancer care across diverse regions. Continuous monitoring and assessment will be crucial to the success of these initiatives.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of establishing day-care cancer centres on rural healthcare in India.
- What are the key components of the Viksit Bharat strategic plan? Explain how they contribute to Indian healthcare.
- What are the expected benefits of operationalising bulk drug parks in India? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Explain the significance of supporting startups in the healthcare sector. How can it influence medical research and innovation?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of establishing day-care cancer centres on rural healthcare in India.
- Improved access to cancer treatment for rural populations, reducing travel and associated costs.
- Alleviation of the burden on tertiary care centres, allowing them to focus on complex cases.
- Potential for early detection and intervention, leading to better health outcomes.
- Increased awareness and education about cancer care in underserved areas.
- Possibility of creating local employment opportunities in healthcare services.
2. What are the key components of the Viksit Bharat strategic plan? Explain how they contribute to Indian healthcare.
- Development of indigenous healthcare technologies, enhancing self-reliance in medical innovations.
- Focus on cell and gene therapy to address complex diseases and improve treatment options.
- Integration of digital and AI solutions for efficient healthcare delivery and data management.
- Research translation into practical applications, ensuring scientific findings benefit the public.
- Strengthening pandemic preparedness to enhance resilience against future health crises.
3. What are the expected benefits of operationalising bulk drug parks in India? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Reduction in manufacturing costs for pharmaceuticals, leading to lower drug prices.
- Attraction of investment in the pharmaceutical sector, boosting economic growth.
- Increased domestic production capacity, reducing dependence on imports.
- Creation of jobs in manufacturing and related sectors, contributing to local economies.
- Example – Bulk drug parks can facilitate the production of essential medications, ensuring availability during health emergencies.
4. Explain the significance of supporting startups in the healthcare sector. How can it influence medical research and innovation?
- Encourages innovation by providing funding for new ideas and technologies in healthcare.
- Fosters competition, leading to improved quality and efficiency in medical solutions.
- Facilitates collaboration between startups and established institutions, enhancing research capabilities.
- Startup success stories can inspire further investment and interest in healthcare innovations.
- Example – Startups developing telemedicine solutions can expand access to healthcare in remote areas.
