Evolution of Indian Healthcare: Insights from JP Nadda at NCI-AIIMS
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Synopsis
On February 16, Union Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted the advancements in the Indian healthcare sector under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, particularly at the National Cancer Institute of AIIMS, emphasizing its growth into a premier facility for cancer treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Transformation of NCI into a world-class healthcare provider.
- Importance of multidisciplinary care in cancer treatment.
- Vishram Sadan as a model for patient support.
- CMIE's role in fostering healthcare innovation.
- AB PM-JAY making cancer treatment accessible.
New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) Under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the perception of the Indian healthcare system is evolving, with bone marrow transplants now being facilitated at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of AIIMS, Jhajjar campus, as stated by Union Health Minister JP Nadda.
Nadda highlighted that the institute has transformed into a world-class healthcare facility in a remarkably short period of just 6 years, evolving into a referral center that offers multidisciplinary care and prioritizes patient-centered services.
He commended the commitment of doctors, healthcare professionals, and the administration for their role in this significant progress.
At the ‘AIIMS Oncology Conclave 2025’, the minister praised the high-quality precision and exceptional services of the nuclear medicine targeted treatment unit at NCI, emphasizing that “these facilities are the hardware while the faculty members and doctors are the software of the strengthening healthcare framework.”
Nadda further expressed that receiving a cancer diagnosis can be immensely challenging, creating fears not only about the illness but also concerning the future, financial stability, and the emotional toll on families.
He also visited the Vishram Sadan at NCI, developed by the Infosys Foundation, which offers much-needed accommodation for patients' attendants at an affordable rate, thereby enhancing support for families during difficult times. This facility also provides psychological and educational assistance to those in need, setting a standard for others.
As an “Incubator,” the Centre for Medical Innovations and Entrepreneurship (CMIE) plays a crucial role in supporting indigenous innovations within the healthcare sector.
By enabling Indian startups to benefit from the mentorship and resources of AIIMS faculty and scientists and providing access to sophisticated laboratory equipment at minimal costs, CMIE is cultivating a culture of innovation, as stated by the minister.
He pointed out that the government has initiated screenings for individuals aged 30 and above under the NHM at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, with over 26 crore individuals screened for oral cancer, 14 crore for breast cancer, and 9 crore for cervical cancer.
The minister emphasized that “to ensure cancer treatment is accessible to the economically disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, the AB PM-JAY scheme covers cancer-related treatments in Medical, Surgical, Radiation, and Palliative Oncology across 219 packages. Since the launch of AB PM-JAY, approximately 68.43 lakh hospital admissions, amounting to Rs. 13160.75 crore, have been authorized for cancer-related packages.”
Referencing a recent study published in The Lancet, he noted that “the initiation of timely cancer treatment has significantly improved due to the Ayushman Bharat Jan Aarogya Yojna, with patients enrolled under AB-PMJAY experiencing a 90 percent increase in access to cancer treatment within 30 days.”
