New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) In a pivotal initiative aimed at bolstering cancer care throughout India, the government has declared its intention to launch Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in district hospitals across the country within the next three years, according to an official statement.

This decision was unveiled during the Union Budget for 2025-26, which includes the establishment of 200 centres in the upcoming fiscal year alone.

The initiative seeks to bring chemotherapy services closer to patients' residences, alleviating the burden on large tertiary hospitals.

Patients undergoing cancer treatment typically require numerous visits to the hospital over several months. Regular cycles of chemotherapy and follow-up appointments are essential for optimal outcomes.

For many individuals, particularly those residing in rural regions or belonging to economically disadvantaged groups, frequent travel to urban tertiary hospitals is both physically demanding and financially draining.

Expenses related to travel, accommodation, meals, and loss of income contribute to the strain. Patients receiving chemotherapy often experience fatigue and need a caregiver, further escalating costs and income loss for families.

By providing chemotherapy at district hospitals, the new centres are anticipated to considerably shorten travel distances and reduce indirect costs. This will enable families to save money and minimize interruptions to their daily routines.

Prior to the approval of these centres, the government performed a comprehensive gap analysis in collaboration with various states and Union Territories.

The selection of districts was based on the prevalence of cancer, patient demand, and available infrastructure.

The program also emphasizes training and capacity development. Medical officers and nurses from the chosen districts received four to six weeks of hands-on training at mentor institutions such as government medical colleges, regional cancer centres, and State Cancer Institutes.

The training encompassed chemotherapy administration, dose calculation, side effect management, emergency response, infection control, safe drug handling, and patient counselling.

This effort has ensured that district-level centres adhere to stringent safety and quality standards.

Another essential aspect of the initiative is the provision of free essential chemotherapy medications at public healthcare facilities.

As medication costs constitute a significant portion of cancer treatment expenses, offering them at no charge will alleviate out-of-pocket costs for patients.

The government has also enhanced procurement and supply systems to guarantee a consistent availability of these medications.