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The word ‘cancer’ in itself has become a scary word due to the high risk of death associated with it. Despite the extensive research and innovations in the medical field, this deadly disease is still to find a cure. Even in the earliest stages, the treatment can easily reach six figures, making it difficult for many to afford it. But cancer does not discriminate based on economic class and can affect anyone. And it does not only drain the patient mentally and physically, but the ripples of the disease also spread to the entire family, and it can be financially draining.
Based on the National Cancer Registry Programme Report 2020, the estimated number of incident cases of cancer in India were 14,61,427 for the year 2022. It is also estimated that about about 8,00,000 new cases of cancer are reported every year in India according to the cancer registry data. Bearing these aspects in mind, the governments in the country are striving to make cancer treatment accessible to people even with limited means. Many initiatives have been taken by the Indian Government in the past and are currently to provide subsidised and free cancer treatment in India. Many free cancer hospitals in India can be a blessing for patients and their families.
The average cost of cancer treatment can vary depending on the type of cancer a person has and the stage at which their cancer was diagnosed, but generally the treatment of cancer is expensive and can take a toll on the affected family. Due to the high costs and uncertainty of survival, many people in India choose to get minimal supportive care and avoid proper treatment for the disease. This increases their chances of mortality. Now, there is an option for such individuals to avail free cancer treatment in India at some of the best hospitals in the country.
10 Best Cancer Hospitals In India For Free Treatment
People who have cancer can benefit from free cancer treatment in India as a financial aid. With one of the major aspects—treatment costs of cancer—of their healing journey taken care of, they can focus on getting better soon. Here is a list of 10 Free Cancer Treatment Hospitals in India as mentioned below:
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
- Dharamshila Hospital and Research Centre (DGRC)
- Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai
- Delhi State Cancer Institute
- Gujarat Cancer Research Institute
- Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
- Cancer Aid and Research Foundation of India, Mumbai
- Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore
- Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
- Indian Cancer Society of Mumbai
1. Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
One of the most sought-after cancer treatment hospitals in the country, it offers free care to almost 70% of the patients. The hospital is well-equipped with state-of-the-art chemotherapy and radiology equipment and supports multiple clinical research programs. Apart from this, Tata Memorial Hospital also offers patient care and service, including rehabilitation, physiotherapy, speech therapy etc.
Address: Dr. E Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
Phone Number: 022 2417 7000
E-mail: msoffice@tmc.gov.in (for patient care and queries)
2. Dharamshila Hospital and Research Centre (DGRC)
DGRC was India’s first cancer hospital to receive the NABH accreditation. Today, Dharamshila Hospital and Research Centre is one of the very renowned cancer hospitals globally that offers advanced services related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Address: Dharamshila marg, Vasundhara Enclave Near Ashok Nagar Metro Station, Dallupura, New Delhi, Delhi 110096
Phone: 1860 208 0208
Email: info.dnsh@narayanahealth.org
Also Read : How To Choose The Best Breast Cancer Doctor
3. Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai
Another prominent hospital for free cancer treatment is the Adyar Cancer Institute, located in Chennai. A non-benefit institute offers service to all the people without discriminating them based on their caste, creed or economic status. Adyar Cancer Institute offers services such as inpatient and outpatient services, diagnosis, therapy, radiation and paediatric oncology, to name a few.
Address: Cancer Institute (WIA), Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai – 600 020
Phone: 044-244910754, 24437300
E-mail: sog@cancerinstitutewia.org
4. Delhi State Cancer Institute
The Delhi Cancer Institute is a leading free cancer treatment hospital in the country that offers ultra-modern facilities such as laboratory investigations comprehensive medical, interventional and surgical treatments for the treatment of cancer and related disorders.
Address: Delhi State Cancer Institute (GNCT of Delhi), Dilshad Garden, Delhi 110095
Phone: +91-11-2213 5700, +91-11-2213 5200
E-mail: director.dsci@nic.in
5. Gujarat Cancer Research Institute
Also known as M P Shah Cancer Hospital gets its funding from the Gujarat Cancer Society and Government of Gujarat. With six speciality oncology units, the hospital provides modern cancer facilities that can be very helpful in an early diagnosis, management and monitoring of cancer.
Address: Civil Hospital Campus, Asarwa, Ahmedabad-380 016. Gujarat, INDIA
Phone: +91-79- 2268 8000
E-mail: gcriad1@bsnl.in
6. Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
The Regional Cancer Centre was established by the Government of India and the Government of Kerala in the year 1981. The Cancer Centre operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Another sought-after institute, RCC, offered free cancer treatment to less-privileged patients and subsidized treatment to middle-income people.
Address: Medical College Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011, India
Phone: +91-471-2442541 Fax: +91-471-2442539
Email:webmaster@rcctvm.gov.in
7. Cancer Aid and Research Foundation of India, Mumbai
Located in Mumbai, India’s Cancer Aid and Research Foundation is a non-profit charitable institute. One of the most prominent free cancer treatment hospitals in the country offers affordable healthcare and cancer treatment. Along with this, the foundation also offers free medical counselling to all its patients.
Address: Unit No. 103, Shivkripa Industrial Estate, Vikhroli West, Mumbai-400 083
Phone: +91-22-2300 7000, +91-22-2300 5000
Email: carf@cancerarfoundation.org
Also Read : How To Choose The Best Lung Cancer Doctor
8. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore
Every year, the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, registers around 17,000 new patients for cancer-free treatment. Since its inception, the institute has offered dedicated and affordable treatment to the needy.
Address: Dr. M.H Marigowda Road, Bangalore – 560029, Karnataka, India
Phone:+91-080-26094000 Fax: +91-080-6560723
Email: kidwai@kar.nic.in
9. Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
If you are looking for a free cancer treatment hospital, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is another suitable option. Many philanthropists, NRIs, and corporate donors make regular and generous contributions to this not-for-profit organization that provides free and affordable treatment for cancer.
Address: 1st Cross, Shankara Matt Premises, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560004
Phone: 080 2698 1000
10. Indian Cancer Society of Mumbai
The Indian Cancer Society offers free diagnoses and runs programmes to spread knowledge and awareness about cancer. With early detection as its motto, the center conducts all kinds of screening which become instrumental in the treatment.
Address: Jer Bai Wadia Road, Dhabholkar Wadi, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400012
Phone: 022 2413 9445
An Overview of Cancer
Cancer is a life-threatening disease that can affect any part of the body and causes abnormal cell growth. Although there is treatment for cancer (generally involves removing the abnormal growth) and supportive care for patients with advanced stages of the disease, there is no cure for cancer yet.
Cancer is one of the biggest contributors to mortality in the human population, but you must not lose hope, as there are some really good free cancer hospitals in India that you can approach. If nothing, the free cancer hospitals in India that are mentioned above can take some financial load off of your plate.
Government schemes for cancer patients in India
The government of India has taken some initiatives to help people below the poverty line and those who struggle financially. Listed below are some of the government health schemes that you can avail.
1. National Health Protection Scheme
This health insurance plan offers coverage up to 5 lakh rupees per family for over 10 crore vulnerable families for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. You can learn more about this scheme on the official website.
2. Health Ministers Discretionary Grants (HMDG)
Families with a collective annual income of INR 1,25,000 or lower can get financial assistance from HMDG (about INR 50,000 to INR 75,000) to pay for their medical bills where free cancer treatment in India is not available.
3. Mukh Mantri Punjab Cancer Rahat Kosh (MMPCRK)
Residents of Punjab can get free cancer treatment of up to INR 1,50,000 from the MMPCRK. Every resident of Punjab except ESI employees, government employees, and people with medical insurance can avail of this scheme.
Also Read : What is Cancer Insurance and How to Choose the Best Cancer Health Insurance Plan
Non-profit organisations for cancer patients
Apart from these, there are other non-profit organisations that provide support to cancer patients who cannot afford optimum medical care. Some of them are listed below:
1. Cuddles foundation
This organisation supports malnourished children who have cancer. Better nutrition is essential in recovering from a severe disease like cancer, and the Cuddles foundation addresses this issue.
2. Indian Cancer Society (ICS)
ICS aims at spreading awareness about cancer so that it can be diagnosed early on and increase the chances of survival for the patient, especially for underprivileged people of India. They also provide free counselling, rehabilitation, and accommodation for the underprivileged.
3. CanKids KidsCan
This organisation provides accommodation, helps in diagnosing cancer, and offers free cancer treatment in India, especially for children. Their efforts greatly improve the survival chances of cancer patients.
Free Cancer Treatment In India – Takeaway
Now that you know some of the best free cancer hospitals in India, you can focus on getting better soon by getting in touch with these cancer hospitals. The cancer hospitals that provide free cancer treatment in India have certain criteria to enrol patients in their program, and not everybody gets selected. In case you are not able to avail free cancer treatment in India, you can consider other cancer hospitals that offer treatment for cancer at an affordable price as well. Getting cancer health insurance is recommended for patients as the treatment generally takes time and cancer health insurance can be beneficial in the long run. You can compare different options and choose a plan as per your budget and needs.
Note: Cancer health insurance is a special plan designed for people with cancer to support their families that offer high coverage.
Being diagnosed with cancer can fill a person with dread; if you are diagnosed with cancer, there is a good chance that you will survive the condition and go on to enjoy your life. People who are diagnosed in the early stages of cancer have the highest chance of survival.
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https://www.ketto.org/blog/free-cancer-treatment-in-india .Accessed May 10, 2023. - Financial Aid and Resources. ICMR – National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India[Internet].
https://cancerindia.org.in/financial-aid-and-resources/ .Accessed May 20, 2023. - 10 cancer care NGOs in India helping the poor. Give.do[Internet].
https://give.do/blog/10-cancer-care-ngos-in-india-helping-poor-to-fight-cancer/ .Accessed May 15, 2023.
