Maharashtra Expands Cancer Care: 27 New Centers Coming

The state health department of Maharashtra is poised to significantly expand its cancer care services. An announcement was made regarding the upcoming opening of 27 additional ambulatory cancer centres across the state, which will complement the nine already in operation. This expansion is a proactive measure to address the rising incidence of cancer.

Furthermore, the state will integrate advanced cancer treatment and diagnostic options into its Mahatma Pule Jan Arogya Yojana. These cutting-edge services will include immunotherapy for treatment and PET scans for diagnostics. This move signifies a commitment to providing more comprehensive and modern care to patients.

Coordination between government and private sectors is deemed crucial in combating diseases like cancer. The state has already screened over three crore citizens using mobile diagnostic vans, with expert oncologists involved through the Maharashtra Cancer Warriors initiative. A recent presentation also introduced the potential of "liquid biopsy" technology for early cancer detection.