The Maharashtra health department is set to introduce advanced cancer treatment facilities, including immunotherapy and PET scan diagnostics, under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY). Along with this, 27 new ambulatory cancer centres will soon be launched across the state.
State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced the move during a high-level meeting at the health services office. He informed that nine cancer day care centres are already functioning, while additional centres are planned to strengthen cancer treatment infrastructure.
Highlighting the rising number of cancer cases in Maharashtra, the minister stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between government and private healthcare sectors to improve treatment accessibility and patient care.
He also said that cancer screening efforts are being carried out through dedicated diagnostic vans operating in all eight state circles, with more than three crore citizens screened so far. Under the Maharashtra Cancer Warriors initiative, patients are also receiving diagnostic and treatment support from specialist oncologists.
During the meeting, a South Korean institute showcased “liquid biopsy” technology, which can help in the early detection of various types of cancer.
