India’s Healthcare Expansion Recognized Globally: Union Minister J.P. Nadda
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : A new three-tier healthcare infrastructure model will be developed in Maharashtra over the next three to four years to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services within 3 to 5 kilometers of their residence, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced today. Coordination between the Public Health Department and the Medical Education Department will drive this initiative, he said.
Speaking at the inauguration of the TrueBeam radiation therapy unit and the expanded State Cancer Institute in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Fadnavis highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening treatment facilities across the state, especially for cancer care. The event was held in the presence of Union Minister of Health, Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers J.P. Nadda.
Fadnavis expressed satisfaction over the establishment of a state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility under the public healthcare system. “Due to lifestyle changes, cancer cases are rising. Advanced technologies like the TrueBeam system will allow targeted radiation therapy, reducing the burden on Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai,” he said. He added that a PET-CT scanner has also been approved for comprehensive cancer diagnosis at the institute.
The Chief Minister informed that around 10 new medical colleges have been established in the state in the past two and a half years, with plans to set up separate general hospitals in districts where hospitals have been upgraded to medical colleges. A ₹5,000 crore loan has been raised for infrastructure development, he added.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda praised India’s rapidly expanding healthcare system, noting that early diagnosis initiatives have enabled 90% of cancer patients to start treatment within 30 days of diagnosis—a feat recognized globally.
Referring to the newly inaugurated facility, Nadda said, “It is heartening to see the foundation stone I laid in 2019 now hosting a modern hospital. Large-scale investments in cancer care and health infrastructure are underway nationwide.” He announced plans to establish 200 Day Care Centers this year, set up 100 new nursing colleges, and continue expanding screening and diagnostic capacities across the country.
Highlighting the government’s focus on healthcare accessibility, Nadda said 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across India, offering services including cancer screening. Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh is provided free to eligible citizens.
Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif termed the expansion of the State Cancer Institute a historic moment. He said the institute, which started with 100 beds in 2012, now has 300 beds, and a PET scan facility will soon be functional. He urged the central government to grant AIIMS status to the institute.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minority Welfare Minister Atul Save, Opposition Leader of Legislative Council Ambadas Danve, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Bhagwat Karad, MP Sandipan Bhumre, and several MLAs, senior officials, medical professionals, and students were present at the inauguration ceremony.
On the occasion, Dr. Kailas Sharma, advisor to the State Cancer Institute, provided detailed information about cancer care advancements. The Indian Bahujan Employees Association honored Union Minister J.P. Nadda and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for their role in passing the Medical Laboratory Bill.
