Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, inaugurated the 2nd AIIMS Oncology Conclave 2025 at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of AIIMS, Jhajjar campus. The NCI, one of the largest public healthcare initiatives in India, is focused on pioneering cancer care and research. The AIIMS Oncology Conclave brought together top oncology experts from across the country, particularly from Institutes of National Importance (INIs), to discuss advancements in cancer treatment, research, and prevention, with a particular focus on breast cancer and head and neck cancers.
The theme of the Conclave, “Discuss Practice and Research Avenues in Breast Cancer,” was aimed at fostering innovation, sharing insights, and building collaborations to push the fight against cancer forward. This gathering leveraged the knowledge and resources of multiple institutions, potentially enhancing cancer research and treatment throughout India. The NCI’s model could serve as an example for other institutions, creating a more cohesive and collaborative effort across the nation to advance healthcare.
The event featured speeches from notable oncologists and panel discussions aimed at addressing the ongoing challenges in managing and treating breast and head and neck cancers.
In his address, Nadda expressed pride over the rapid development of NCI since its inception in 2019, noting that it had quickly grown into a world-class healthcare institution offering comprehensive and patient-centered care. He praised the contributions of doctors, healthcare professionals, and the administration in achieving this progress.
Nadda also toured the newly constructed Nuclear Medicine Targeted Treatment Ward and the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Unit at the NCI, both of which are designed to enhance patient outcomes for thyroid and hematolymphoid cancers. Highlighting the significance of these advancements, he noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Indian healthcare landscape is evolving, with institutions like NCI now capable of providing bone marrow transplants. Nadda emphasized that while the state-of-the-art facilities are crucial, the doctors and faculty members are the heart of this growing healthcare ecosystem.
Further, Nadda reflected on the emotional and financial toll cancer takes on patients and families, underscoring the need for support systems like the Vishram Sadan at the NCI, developed by the Infosys Foundation. This facility offers cost-effective accommodation for patients’ attendants and provides psychological and educational support, setting an example for others to follow.
The NCI is actively collaborating with startups, PhD students, and AIIMS scientists on research with practical applications for the healthcare sector. The Centre for Medical Innovations and Entrepreneurship (CMIE) at NCI plays a key role in supporting local innovations by providing mentorship, access to advanced equipment, and resources at affordable rates. Nadda also commended the boot camps held to nurture Indian healthcare startups and entrepreneurs focused on developing solutions tailored to the country’s needs.
Nadda emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to make cancer care accessible at every level. He highlighted the screening initiatives under the National Health Mission, which have led to over 26 crore people being screened for oral cancer, 14 crore for breast cancer, and 9 crore for cervical cancer at Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs. The government has allocated over 3000 crore rupees for cancer care facilities across 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres (TCCCs), as well as funding for diagnostic and treatment facilities at new AIIMS.
To make cancer treatment more affordable for vulnerable populations, the government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (AB PM-JAY) has been instrumental, covering medical, surgical, radiation, and palliative oncology treatments through 219 packages. Since the program’s inception, over 68 lakh hospital admissions have been authorized for cancer-related treatments, amounting to a total of Rs. 13,160 crore.
Nadda also cited a recent study from The Lancet showing that patients enrolled in AB PM-JAY saw a 90% increase in timely access to cancer treatment. He further outlined the role of AMRIT Pharmacies, which provide over 5,200 essential drugs, including 289 oncology drugs, at discounted rates of up to 50%, resulting in savings of Rs. 6,567 crore for 5.8 crore beneficiaries.
Looking ahead, Nadda mentioned plans to establish Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in all district hospitals, with 200 set to open this year. This initiative aims to bring cancer care closer to rural populations. He encouraged further collaboration between AIIMS and other INIs to promote research and innovation in cancer treatment, reiterating the significance of the AIIMS Oncology Conclave in driving progress.
Nadda concluded by addressing the rising cancer incidence in India, stressing the importance of making treatment available locally so patients don’t have to travel long distances. With 1.45 million new cancer cases annually, Nadda emphasized the need for regional centers equipped with advanced treatment capabilities.
He also announced the creation of 720 new posts at the NCI Jhajjar, including faculty, scientists, nurses, technicians, and administrative positions, to further strengthen the institution’s capabilities.
In a final gesture, Nadda honored social activists and organizations that have contributed significantly to providing replacement-donation-free transfusion services at NCI and launched an educational short film for the tobacco cessation campaign led by NCI’s preventive oncology unit.
