New Delhi: The Indian government has announced a major expansion of cancer care by establishing Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in district hospitals across the country over the next three years, bringing chemotherapy services closer to patients’ homes.

Under the Union Budget 2025-26, 200 centres are set to be operational in 2025-26 itself, marking a significant step to reduce the burden on large tertiary hospitals.

Bringing cancer care closer to home

Cancer treatment often requires multiple hospital visits over several months, with repeated chemotherapy cycles and follow-ups. For patients in rural areas or from economically weaker sections, frequent travel to city hospitals is both physically exhausting and financially taxing.

Expenses related to travel, accommodation, food, and loss of daily wages, coupled with the need for a caregiver, significantly increase the economic burden on families. By offering chemotherapy at district hospitals, the new DCCCs will reduce travel distances, lower indirect costs, and make treatment more accessible.

District selection and capacity building

Before implementation, the government conducted a comprehensive gap analysis with states and Union Territories. Districts were selected based on cancer burden, patient load, and existing infrastructure.

Medical officers and nurses from selected districts have undergone four to six weeks of hands-on training at mentor institutes, including government medical colleges, regional cancer centres, and State Cancer Institutes. Training covered:

  • Chemotherapy administration and dose calculation
  • Management of side effects and emergency handling
  • Infection control and safe handling of drugs
  • Patient counselling

This ensures that district-level centres meet high safety and quality standards.

Free chemotherapy drugs to reduce costs

Essential chemotherapy drugs will be supplied free of cost at public health facilities, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients. The government has also strengthened procurement and supply chains to ensure a consistent supply of medicines.

The initiative is expected to transform cancer care delivery in India, making treatment more accessible, affordable, and convenient for patients, particularly those in underserved regions.

IANS