Maharashtra Launches Comprehensive Cancer Care Policy to Enhance Treatment

The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved a comprehensive Cancer Care Policy aimed at enhancing treatment options for patients throughout the region. This initiative represents a significant advancement in the state’s healthcare system, focusing on improving access to quality cancer care.

Establishment of the MAHACARE Foundation

Central to this initiative is the creation of the Maharashtra Cancer Care, Research and Education Foundation, known as the MAHACARE Foundation. This foundation will oversee cancer-related services across 18 hospitals, significantly increasing the availability of specialized daycare centers for cancer treatment. The move responds to a growing need for effective cancer care, as the region faces a rising burden of cancer cases.

According to a joint report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), Maharashtra is projected to see an 11 percent increase in cancer cases by 2025 compared to 2020. Currently, the country reports approximately 100 cancer patients per one lakh population, with the situation expected to deteriorate further.

Three-Tier Cancer Care Network

During the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outlined a three-tier cancer care network designed to ensure that treatment facilities are accessible in every district. The tiered structure includes:

– **L-1 Level**: The apex institution, Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.
– **L-2 Level**: Eight hospitals, comprising six government medical colleges in regions such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Mumbai’s JJ Hospital, Kolhapur, and Pune’s BJ Medical College, along with referral hospitals in Nashik and Amravati.
– **L-3 Level**: Nine hospitals, including those in Ambajogai, Nanded, Yavatmal, and others, will provide essential services including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, palliative care, and supportive services.

This tiered approach aims to reduce costs and travel burdens for patients by allowing them to access most services locally.

Governance and Funding Initiatives

The MAHACARE Foundation will manage staffing, funding, and equipment procurement, while also promoting research and innovation in cancer care. To facilitate coordination, a command-and-control center will be established. The foundation will be chaired by the Chief Minister, with both Deputy Chief Ministers serving as vice-chairpersons. Senior ministers from the Medical Education, Public Health, and Finance Departments will act as directors, and a healthcare expert will be appointed as CEO.

To support the foundation’s work, the government has approved an initial fund of ₹100 crore (approximately $12 million). Additionally, 20 percent of fees collected under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana will be allocated to the foundation. The government has also sanctioned ₹1,529.38 crore for L-2 centers and ₹147.70 crore for L-3 centers. Equipment procurement and staffing at L-3 centers will generally follow a public-private partnership model, except for the Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan Hospital, which will operate independently.

Focus on Prevention and Research

Beyond treatment expansion, the policy emphasizes the importance of prevention, awareness, psychological support, and medical research. The MAHACARE Foundation will collaborate with non-governmental organizations to enhance palliative care and promote affordable health programs tailored to local needs. Awareness campaigns will target lifestyle changes that can help prevent cancer, while research efforts will focus on developing new and effective treatment options.

With this comprehensive cancer care policy, Maharashtra is taking a significant step toward building a decentralized, accessible, and efficient cancer care network, ultimately bringing quality healthcare closer to those in need.