Initiative to Launch Daycare Cancer Centers Nationwide in India
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Synopsis
The Union Budget's strategy to create daycare cancer centers across all districts in India within three years is a crucial development. Experts highlight its significance in improving cancer care accessibility, especially in remote areas.
Key Takeaways
- Daycare cancer centers to be established in every district.
- Projected cancer cases to rise by 27.7%.
- 200 centers expected by 2025-26.
- 36 life-saving drugs exempt from customs duty.
- Focus on expanding medical education.
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) The Union Budget’s initiative to set up daycare cancer centers in every district within the next three years is a much-needed step, according to experts on Sunday.
The incidence of cancer in India is on the rise, with a projected increase of 27.7 percent from 2015 to 2025.
As per the ‘National Cancer Registry Programme Report’ 2020, one in nine individuals is expected to develop cancer during their lifetime.
This Budget decision “seeks to enhance access to cancer treatment and support, especially in remote regions, thereby addressing a significant shortfall in healthcare services,” stated Ashok Varma, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat.
The government will assist in establishing daycare cancer centers, with a total of 200 centers anticipated to open by 2025-26.
Additionally, the Budget revealed that 36 life-saving drugs and medications (primarily for cancer and rare diseases) will be added to the list of medicines that are completely exempt from basic customs duty (BCD). An additional six life-saving medications will be introduced to the list, attracting a concessional customs duty of 5 percent.
Garima Malhotra, Associate Partner in Healthcare and Lifesciences at Praxis Global Alliance, emphasized that expanding medical education with 10,000 new seats and the proposal to add 75,000 seats over the next five years will help alleviate the shortage of healthcare professionals.
“The establishment of daycare cancer centers in all district hospitals is a vital step towards improving access to specialized treatment. These initiatives, coupled with ongoing investment in public health infrastructure, will enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability, contributing to a healthier India,” she stated.
The government's initiative to improve access to life-saving medications by including 36 drugs in the exempted list and providing better support for rare disease treatments is highly commendable.
The rationalization of customs duties for industrial goods, along with incentives for domestic pharmaceutical production, will further strengthen India’s reputation as the ‘Pharmacy of the World.’
Moreover, the focus on R&D with a Rs 20,000 crore investment in private-sector-led innovation will expedite drug discovery and biotech advancements, experts noted.
