India Advances Immunotherapy Access for Cancer Patients in Maharashtra and Nationwide

Maharashtra will include immunotherapy and PET scans in its Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY) and open 27 new ambulatory cancer centres, while the Indian Council of Medical Research has framed evidence-based national guidelines for lung cancer treatment that incorporate immunotherapy protocols.

The announcement in Maharashtra was made by state health minister Prakash Abitkar at a high-level meeting held at the health services office in Mumbai. He said nine cancer day care or ambulatory centres are already operational in the state and 27 would be added soon. Abitkar stated that coordination between the government and private sectors would play a crucial role in the fight against diseases such as cancer. As the number of cancer patients in the state has been continuously increasing, there is a need to expand treatment facilities.

"For cancer screening, one cancer diagnostic van is being used in each of the eight circles of the state, and over three crore citizens have been screened so far," he said. Diagnostic and treatment services are provided with the help of expert oncologists through the Maharashtra Cancer Warriors initiative. At the meeting, a South Korean institute made a presentation on "liquid biopsy" technology for early diagnosis of all types of cancer.

Separately, in the Lok Sabha, Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumurthy raised the issue of immunotherapy—either alone or in combination with other drugs—being preferred over chemotherapy for lung cancer patients. Seeking clarity on government-approved protocols, the MP asked the Union Health Ministry on expanding access to advanced cancer care.

In his written reply, union minister of state for Health Prataprao Jadhav informed the House that the ICMR has framed evidence-based national guidelines for lung cancer treatment and palliative care. The guidelines comprise 15 key recommendations aimed at standardising diagnosis, treatment and supportive care across the country. The Union minister said immunotherapy services are being provided at select tertiary-level government hospitals equipped with necessary infrastructure, trained specialists and approved drugs. Clear protocols for patient eligibility, treatment administration and monitoring of side effects have been incorporated in the national guidelines. Emphasising the growing cancer burden, MP Gurumurthy urged the government to further expand immunotherapy services in public hospitals to ensure wider and affordable access for patients nationwide.