In a significant move to combat the rising incidence of cancer, the Telangana government has launched Cancer Day Care and Screening Centres across all district headquarters in the state. The initiative, inaugurated virtually by Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha from Sangareddy Medical College, aims to make cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment accessible at the district level, reducing the need for patients to travel to Hyderabad. Every year 55,000 Cancer cases are being diagnosed in the state, stated the Health Minister on Tuesday.

The state has established Cancer Day Care Centres in 34 Government General Hospitals (GGHs), each equipped with 10 cancer care beds and 10 palliative care beds. These centres will provide free screening, diagnosis, and chemotherapy, ensuring timely intervention for patients. Additionally, 34 mobile screening vans will be deployed to conduct door-to-door cancer screenings at the village level, addressing the lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis, which are major challenges in cancer care. The initiative is supported by the Arogyasri Health Scheme, enabling patients to access treatment without financial burden.

The government has partnered with MNJ Cancer Hospital, a Centre of Excellence, to supply medicines and facilitate initial chemotherapy doses, with follow-up treatments available locally. Specialists from MNJ will visit district centres to provide expert care. 

In the coming months, advanced radiation bunkers will be introduced in Warangal, Sangareddy, Khammam, and Mahabubnagar, allowing patients to receive treatment and return home the same day, minimizing economic and logistical challenges.

Palliative care centres, also launched in districts, will support patients with chronic illnesses, including end-stage cancer, heart, liver, and kidney diseases, offering pain management and emotional support. Only 14% of the global population has access to such care, making Telangana’s initiative a global benchmark.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has prioritized this program, appointing renowned oncologist Dr. Nori Dattatreya as Advisor for Cancer Elimination to guide the initiative. 

Health officials emphasized that awareness, early screening, and prompt treatment are critical to controlling cancer.