Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini virtually inaugurated Day-Care Cancer Centres (DCCC) in 17 districts of the state during a ceremony organised at the Civil Secretariat here today. These centres had already been launched in five districts earlier; and with today’s inauguration, Day-Care Cancer Centres are now operational in 22 districts of Haryana.
The Chief Minister had announced this initiative in the Budget for the financial year 2025–26, and the announcement has now been fully implemented on the ground. Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao also joined the ceremony through videoconferencing.
The launch of Day-Care Cancer Centres in 17 districts marks a significant step toward providing accessible healthcare to the people of the state. The objective of these centres is to ensure accessible, affordable cancer treatment closer to patients’ homes.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that cancer has emerged as a serious public health challenge not only in Haryana but across the country. In view of the growing situation, the Health Department is providing comprehensive prevention, screening, and treatment services under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). Regular screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancer is being conducted for individuals aged 30 years and above.
The Chief Minister said that with the launch of these new centres, patients will be able to access chemotherapy, follow-up treatment, palliative and supportive care, and symptom management services within their own districts. Dedicated Cancer OPDs, Pain and Palliative Care OPDs, and structured post-treatment follow-up services will be provided free of cost.
These centres will function under a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model. PGIMS Rohtak, National Cancer Institute Jhajjar, Sarvodaya Hospital Faridabad, and Atal Cancer Care Centre, Ambala Cantonment, will serve as hubs providing expert guidance to district hospitals.
The Chief Minister informed that the Atal Cancer Care Centre in Ambala Cantonment is already offering advanced facilities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and palliative care. In 2025, thousands of patients have been treated at the centre, including a large number of chemotherapy sessions, mammographies, brachytherapy procedures, and cancer surgeries.
He said that providing services at the district level will reduce patients’ travel, accommodation, and related expenses, potentially resulting in average savings of up to ₹3.3 lakh per patient. This will also reduce the burden on major hospitals, enabling them to focus more on complex cases.
The state government is also ensuring social support. Free travel facilities are being provided to cancer patients and one attendant in Haryana Roadways buses. Thousands of patients availed of this benefit in the previous financial year.
Through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Antyodaya (SEWA), financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month is being provided to Stage III and Stage IV cancer patients with an annual family income of less than ₹3 lakh. Thousands of patients have benefited from this scheme so far.
The Chief Minister said that the establishment of Day-Care Cancer Centres in all districts is a transformative initiative toward ensuring equitable, timely, and patient-centric healthcare services in Haryana. The state government remains committed to reducing the cancer burden and ensuring better health outcomes.
On the occasion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao congratulated the Health Department, doctors, and medical staff for successfully operationalising the Day-Care Cancer Centres. She said this initiative reflects the sensitivity and commitment of the Chief Minister and the state government toward the health and well-being of every citizen of Haryana. She emphasised that the Health Department will continue to work with full dedication to expand cancer care services, enhance early detection efforts, and ensure that every patient receives quality treatment with dignity and support.
Chief Principal Secretary to CM Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra, Secretary, Health Department, Sh. RS Dhillon, DGHS Dr. Manish Bansal, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
