Haryana : Marking World Cancer Day, Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra announced that Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) have started functioning today across 22 District Civil Hospitals in the state. Previously, only five such centres were operational in Ambala, Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Yamunagar, and Faridabad.
Dr. Misra highlighted that these Day Care Cancer Centres are designed to bring decentralised, accessible, and affordable cancer care closer to patients’ homes. By delivering follow-up chemotherapy and other routine interventions at the district level, patients no longer need repeated referrals to tertiary hospitals, ensuring continuity of treatment.
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The Day Care Cancer Centres will operate under a HUB-and-Spoke model with NCI Jhajjar, PGIMS Rohtak, Sarvodaya Hospital Faridabad, and ACCC Ambala Cantt serving as HUBs for specialised support.
Cancer continues to be a significant cause of mortality and disease burden in India, affecting all age groups and regions. Dr. Misra emphasised that early detection, timely treatment, and long-term support are critical to reducing this burden. Awareness campaigns under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), including observances like World Cancer Day, promote healthy lifestyles, regular screenings, and discourage tobacco and alcohol consumption.
Screening for common cancers is now available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, and District Civil Hospitals. Suspected cases are confirmed using FNAC, Pap smear, fluid cytology, and biopsy facilities available at district hospitals.
Day Care Cancer Centres in 22 Districts to Provide Follow-Up Chemotherapy, Palliative Care, and Post-Treatment Support
The Atal Cancer Care Centre (ACCC) at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt, offers state-of-the-art secondary-level cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology. In 2025, the ACCC handled 20,016 OPD visits, 2,743 chemotherapy patients, 396 mammographies, 237 brachytherapy procedures, and 721 surgeries.
To support patients financially, the Haryana government provides free travel for patients and one attendant. The number of Free Travel Facility cards issued has increased from 7,617 in 2022–23 to 10,102 in 2024–25. Additionally, Stage III and IV cancer patients from families earning under Rs. 3 lakh receive Rs. 3,000 per month under a state pension scheme, which has benefitted 5,807 patients so far.
Dr. Misra emphasised that the newly operational Day Care Cancer Centres will provide follow-up chemotherapy, palliative care, symptom management, and structured post-treatment support in line with clinical protocols. Announced in the state budget by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, this initiative marks a significant step towards patient-centric, accessible cancer care across Haryana.