30-07-2025
Puducherry to have three Day Care Cancer Centres
The Union Territory is among the places identified for the establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in district hospitals during 2025-26, the Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha in response to a question submitted by Rajya Sabha MP S. Selvaganabathy.
The Government stated that, as per the announcement of Union Budget 2025-26, it plans to set up Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in district hospitals in the next three years, out of which 200 centres are to be set up this fiscal. Of this, three DCCCs will be in Puducherry.
According to the Government, the DCCCs were proposed to be set up in consultation with States based on a national gap analysis conducted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare using the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) cancer registry data. High-burden districts were prioritised, and proposals were submitted by the States and Union Territories, and finalised by the National Programme Coordination Committee (NPCC) to optimise resources and avoid duplication.
The DCCCs will be established in District hospitals as per the availability of space and logistics. However, based on the feasibility and as per State proposals, DCCCs can be established in other Government health facilities also.
The Government of India is implementing the Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Centres Facilities scheme. Under this initiative, financial assistance is provided as a one-time grant of up to ₹120 crore for State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and up to ₹45 crore for Tertiary Cancer Care Centres (TCCCs), including the State share, Parliament was told.
As of now, 19 SCIs and 20 TCCCs have been approved across the country. These institutions serve as critical hubs for advanced cancer care, diagnosis, research and capacity building, and are equipped with specialised infrastructure and expert manpower. Mr. Selvaganabathy had, however, demanded one such SCI exclusively for Puducherry, a press note from his office said.
