In the 2025 Health Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a major initiative to support cancer patients. She stated that Day Care Cancer Centers will be set up in cancer hospitals. This move aims to provide better care for cancer patients, as cancer is a deadly and life-threatening disease that impacts not just the patient, but also their family financially, mentally, and physically.

The government’s plan is to establish Day Care Centers at cancer hospitals. These centers will not only offer medical treatment but also provide psychological and practical support to patients and their families. Day Care Centers allow patients to receive treatment and go home on the same day, helping them recover faster and save both time and money.

What Are Day Care Centers and How Do They Work?

Day Care Centers offer chemotherapy infusion services, which can be administered in private lounges or common areas. These centers also help patients and their families cope with the challenges of cancer through counseling and other forms of support. They assist patients in managing side effects of the treatment and may even provide additional services like massages or acupuncture.

In addition, the government will reduce the cost of medicines for cancer and other serious diseases, ensuring that patients do not face financial hardships due to the high cost of treatment. As part of this initiative, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the opening of 200 cancer Day Care Centers across villages in collaboration with state governments. This will help rural patients get access to early check-ups and treatments.