New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are playing a pivotal role in reinforcing India’s battle against cancer, as highlighted by Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Cancer Day this Wednesday.

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, aims to promote awareness about cancer and the technological advancements aimed at combating it.

According to the ICMR’s National Cancer Registry estimates, India saw more than 15.3 lakh new cancer cases in 2024, with approximately 8–8.7 lakh fatalities, in contrast to a global total of 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths reported in 2022.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, the Health Minister emphasized the significance of early detection and regular screenings, along with the measures taken by India to tackle this serious health challenge.

He also noted the recent exemption of customs duties on 17 cancer medications in the latest Union Budget, which aims to make treatments more affordable.

“Under the visionary guidance of PM Narendra Modi, numerous initiatives have been launched to enhance cancer care in India. The creation of Cancer Day Care units in every district and the waiver of customs duties on essential cancer medicines will significantly benefit patients. The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are also bolstering our efforts against cancer through extensive screenings, facilitating early detection and timely treatment nationwide,” Nadda stated.

“On World Cancer Day, we unite to emphasize the importance of awareness about cancer, early detection, prevention, and timely care. It serves as a reminder for us to support survivors and promote regular screenings for a healthier society,” he added.

Experts welcomed the waiver on customs duties for cancer drugs, while also stressing the necessity for increased health investments to fortify cancer care systems.

“India’s healthcare sector is at a transformative juncture, with the Union Health Budget surpassing Rs 1 lakh crore for the first time, solidifying healthcare as a catalyst for economic growth, social equity, and the India@2047 vision,” remarked Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Chief Secretary of Medical Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education in Uttar Pradesh.

“Through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, population-based screenings, new cancer institutes, and planned cancer day-care centers, our emphasis is on early detection, timely referrals, and affordable treatments. Moving forward, enhanced public-private partnerships and patient-centric policies will be crucial for reaching the last mile,” he added while addressing the IHW Cancer Summit in the national capital.

Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Chairman of Medical Oncology at a hospital in Delhi, noted that the future of cancer treatment lies in advanced technology.

“This World Cancer Day, my focus is on the progression of technology—leaning towards deep sequencing of DNA genes for cancer treatment decisions. We are moving beyond imaging, detecting tumors smaller than 5mm,” Aggarwal explained.

“This is the future of oncology. Soon, we will begin asking patients, ‘Is your ctDNA negative?’ We must urge our labs and researchers to embrace this technology as it is becoming routine in other nations,” he concluded.