Cancer was responsible for about 10 million deaths in 2020 globally. This accounts for about 1 in 6 deaths. There were about 19.3 million new estimated cases. According to the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), cancer cases in India are projected to increase from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million in 2025. The estimated new cases are 1.39 million. Thus posing a significant economic burden for our country.
India aims to fight cancer, by providing cancer treatment for all. This also includes expensive late-stage cancer treatment. Let’s look at how Mumbai plays a role in reducing cancer deaths by offering free cancer treatment.
1. Tata Memorial Hospital
Address: Dr. E Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai - 400 012 India
Establishment Year: 1941
Number of beds: 629
Services: It tops the list of free cancer treatment in Mumbai. About 60-70% of the patients at TMH are treated almost free of cost.
Specialties:
- Tata Memorial Hospital specializes in cancer care and treatment. It's a comprehensive center for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research of cancer.
- The hospital offers a range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology.
- It's recognized for its efforts in education and training in the field of oncology, hosting around 250 students and professionals for training each year.
Future scope:
Doctors from TMH presented their results for the landmark multi-center breast cancer study for medical interventions that cost less than Rs.100 per patient. It showed a 26% reduction in cancer relapse and deaths. Also, if implemented globally, it has the potential to save 100000 lives annually.
2. Advanced Centre for Cancer Treatment and Research and Education in Cancer
Address: Sector 22, Utsav Chowk - CISF Rd, Owe Camp, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210
Establishment Year: 2002
Number of beds: 50
Services:
- ACTREC is a state-of-the-art R&D wing of the Tata Memorial Centre.
- It focuses on various aspects of cancer research and treatment.
- The centre includes departments and facilities dedicated to both basic and translational/clinical research in cancer.
- It is also involved in education and training in oncology and related fields.
Specific Specialties for Cancer Treatment:
- Research areas include tumor biology, carcinogenesis, genome biology, precision medicine, therapy resistance, stem cell biology, and tumor immunology.
- Clinical research and trials are a significant part of its operations, contributing to the advancement in cancer treatment.
- Emphasis on molecular hematology, neuro-oncology, radiobiology, and medical physics.
- Future scope:
- Proton therapy treatment is available for Rs 1-1.5 crores in the US. This treatment will be available at subsidised rates at ACTREC Kharghar, while it will be free of cost for economically weaker sections.
3. Grant Government Medical College and Sir J J Hospitals
Address: J. J. Marg, Nagpada-Mumbai Central, Off Jejeebhoy Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400008.
Established: 1845.
Beds: 2845 beds.
Specialities:
- It is a tertiary care multispeciality hospital.
- It offers a range of specialities including Andrology, Cardiology, Orthopaedics, etc
- Equipped with dedicated Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Operation Theatres and Dialysis Units.
Specific Specialties for Cancer Treatment:
- Provides comprehensive care for cancer patients including diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive services.
- Since it’s a government hospital, it provides cancer treatment at subsidized costs and under various government beneficiary schemes.
Future Scope:
It is sanctioned to receive a robotic operating system worth Rs 20 crores in early 2024. This will be used for cancer and tumour surgery. Robotic surgery is recommended for cancer of the chest, lungs, respiratory tract, small and large intestine, kidney, gallbladder, pancreas, food pipe, stomach, tumor, and prostate cancer.
4. King Edward Memorial Hospital
Address: Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai – 400012, India.
Established: 1926.
Beds: 1800
Doctors: 390 staff physicians + 550 resident doctors.
Specialties: King Edward Memorial Hospital is a leading teaching and medical care institution.
- The hospital treats about 1.8 million outpatients and 85,000 inpatients annually, offering both basic care and advanced treatment facilities in all fields of medicine and surgery.
- It is funded mainly by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. It serves mostly the underprivileged sections of society and provides them with treatment, almost free of cost.
Specific Specialties for Cancer Treatment:
KEM Hospital likely provides a range of cancer care services. These include diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care for cancer patients.
5. Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital
Address: Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India-400022.
Established: 1947.
Beds: 1,850 beds.
Doctors: 300 + 550 postgraduate students.
Specialities: Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital is a multi-specialty hospital offering a wide range of medical services.
The hospital is known for its efficient ‘Trauma Care Centre’ and emergency medical services.
Special services for Cancer: Specialising in chemotherapy and radiation therapy at their 40 bed facility for cancer patients. It is also recognized for its services in specialties like hemato-oncology, thalassemia, and stem cell therapy.
6. Topiwala National Medical College And Bai Yamunabai Laxman Nair Charitable Hospital
Address: Dr. A. L. Nair Road, Mumbai - 400008.
Established: 1921.
Specialities: Nair Hospital offers a wide range of medical specialities.
It is affiliated with Topiwala National Medical College and provides training and services in various medical and allied branches, including clinical hematology, neurosurgery, nephrology, urology, and many others.
Specific Specialties for Cancer Treatment:
- The hospital has a department of Medical Oncology, Offers specialised care for cancer patients.
- Patients who qualify under Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojna will get cancer medicines free of cost. Patients who are not associated with government schemes will get financial assistance from NGOs.
7. Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Head and Neck Cancer Institute
Address: Barrister Nath Pai Marg, Dockyard, Cemetery, Naralwadi, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400010
Beds: 93
Specialities: The institute is dedicated to the treatment of head and neck cancers.
- It features a 12-bed high dependency/intensive care unit and 6 operation theatres.
- There is also an 11-bed Day Care Unit with facilities for chemotherapy on an outpatient basis.
- While 80% of patients will be levied charges applicable at TMH, the remaining 20% will be treated free.
- This includes economically liable patients and BMC patients.
Le's look at some NGOs, providing cancer care in Mumbai
Indian Cancer Society of Mumbai
- The Indian Cancer Society (ICS) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization
- Established in 1951 for cancer awareness, detection, and treatment in India.
- It is associated with Tata Memorial Hospital, known for its comprehensive cancer care.
- The society undertakes complete care of poor cancer patients by offering various services including food, medicines, transport, prostheses, colostomy bags, counselling services, social welfare, and job placement services.
- It is also involved in educational programs to educate the general public about cancer and provides training for doctors.
- ICS works with partner hospitals to provide funding for curable cancers, increasing the number of patients receiving treatment.
- It has an innovative Cancer Cure Fund to support cancer patients.
- The society has empanelled various hospitals across India
- They include Tata Memorial Hospital, Christian Medical College, and Cancer Institute, among others, for providing cancer treatment.
- These empanelled hospitals offer a range of cancer care services, from diagnosis to advanced treatment options.
Cancer Aid and Research Foundation
- Cancer Aid & Research Foundation (CARF) is a registered medical NGO and non-profit charitable organization
- Established in 2001.
- Focus on the welfare of underprivileged cancer patients
- CARF has been actively involved in reaching out to poor and marginalized cancer patients
- Undertakes activities like counseling, rehabilitation, charity sales, and screening.
- Engaged in fundraising efforts.
Apart from this, the government is actively involved in providing free cancer treatment
Government schemes are available for cancer patients in Mumbai. Let's check
Available Government schemes for cancer patients
Ayushman Bharat Scheme (PMJAY Scheme):
- This is a scheme under the National Health Protection scheme funded by the Government of India.
- It is the largest government-funded health insurance scheme in the world.
- People can avail of treatment for any kind of cancer under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
- Ayushman card is not only valid in government hospitals but also valid in private hospitals, which are impanelled.
Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY)
- The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) is an Indian government health insurance scheme for Below Poverty Line families.
- Launched in 2008, it includes a smart card system for cashless transactions at impanelled hospitals.
- Under this scheme, beneficiaries are entitled to hospitalization coverage up to ₹30,000.
- The scheme collaborates with various public and private hospitals in Mumbai, ensuring that beneficiaries have access to quality healthcare services.
Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayi Aarogya Yojna
- The Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayi Aarogya Yojana (RGJAY) is an Indian government health scheme l
- Launched to provide access to free medical treatment for underprivileged families in Maharashtra.
- Specifically focusing on cancer
- Covers surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, which are typically costly and out of reach for many low-income families.
- Under RGJAY, eligible families can avail of treatment at various empaneled hospitals across the state, including both public and private facilities.
Nargis Dutt Foundation:
- The Nargis Dutt Foundation is a charitable organization
- Provides holistic healing and support to cancer patients of the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) in Mumbai
- The foundation provides financial aid to help cover the medical expenses of cancer treatment.
- They offer counselling and emotional support to help patients cope with the psychological challenges of cancer.
- The foundation assists in the rehabilitation and post-treatment care of cancer survivors.
- They engage in awareness campaigns and initiatives to promote cancer prevention and early detection.
Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA)
- It offers financial aid, and counselling to help cancer-affected individuals
- Cancer awareness programs
Jeevan Jyot Cancer Relief and Care Trust
- The Jeevan Jyot Cancer Relief and Care Trust operates a Drug Bank as part of its relief services.
- This initiative provides essential drugs and medications to cancer patients
- This aims to alleviate their financial burden and ensure they have access to necessary treatments.
Shraddha Foundation- Shelter for cancer patients
- Provides shelter and accommodation to cancer patients.
- It offers a safe and supportive environment where cancer patients and their families can stay during their treatment.
- This initiative helps reduce the logistical and financial challenges
FAQs
Is there a waiting period for free cancer treatment in Mumbai?
Waiting periods can vary based on the hospital and the urgency of your case. It's advisable to contact the hospital directly for information on waiting times.
Are there any specific eligibility criteria for free cancer treatment?
Eligibility criteria may include income level, residency status, and the type of cancer. It's important to check with the hospital or organization providing the free treatment for specific requirements.
Can non-residents of Mumbai avail of free cancer treatment?
Some hospitals may prioritize residents, but it's best to check with the specific hospital or organization. Emergency cases may be treated irrespective of residency.
How can I get financial assistance for additional costs like transportation and accommodation during treatment?
Some NGOs and hospitals may assist with additional costs. Inquire with the hospital's social services department or contact relevant NGOs for support.
Do private hospitals in Mumbai offer free cancer treatment?
Some private hospitals may have charity programs or collaborations with non-profit organizations to offer free or subsidized cancer treatment. It's advisable to contact private hospitals directly to inquire about any available support.
Are there non-profit organizations in Mumbai that assist in cancer treatment?
Several non-profit organizations work towards supporting cancer patients. These organizations may offer financial aid, counseling, or other forms of assistance. Look for cancer support groups or NGOs in Mumbai and reach out to them for information.
How can I find information about free cancer screening programs in Mumbai?
Local health departments, government hospitals, and non-profit organizations often organize cancer screening camps. Keep an eye on community health initiatives, and inquire with local healthcare providers about upcoming screening programs.
