Expanding Cancer Care: Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities in India Targeted for Growth
Cancer care expands beyond metros as providers bet on tier-2, tier-3 India
Business Standard
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India's cancer care sector is increasingly focusing on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, driven by rising cancer incidence and demand for services. Hospitals, diagnostics firms, and support organizations are establishing facilities in these areas to improve access and reduce the need for patients to travel to major metros for treatment.
- 014baseCare is expanding its genomic testing services into cities like Srinagar and Guwahati to enhance access to advanced cancer diagnostics.
- 02Setting up a genomics lab can cost between ₹3 crore and ₹10 crore (approximately $360,000 to $1.2 million USD), regardless of location.
- 03Access Life Assistance Foundation is opening support centers in cities such as Tiruvannamalai and Raipur to assist families of children undergoing cancer treatment.
- 04MOC Cancer Care and Research Centre plans to increase its community cancer centers from 29 to nearly 40 by the end of the financial year.
- 05Despite lower real estate costs in smaller cities, operational challenges such as logistics and skilled manpower remain significant.
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The cancer care landscape in India is shifting focus from metropolitan areas to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as healthcare providers respond to a growing demand for services driven by increased cancer awareness and screening. Hospitals and diagnostics firms are expanding their reach to these smaller cities to meet the rising patient load and reduce the need for patients to migrate to larger cities for treatment. For instance, 4baseCare, a cancer genomics firm, is setting up facilities in cities like Srinagar and Guwahati to provide advanced genomic testing closer to patients. The costs associated with establishing these facilities, however, remain high, with lab setups ranging from ₹3 crore to ₹10 crore (approximately $360,000 to $1.2 million USD). Additionally, organizations like the Access Life Assistance Foundation are decentralizing support services for pediatric cancer patients, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on families. MOC Cancer Care and Research Centre is also expanding its network of community cancer centers, anticipating that the next phase of oncology growth will occur in smaller cities. Despite the potential for growth, challenges such as affordability and the availability of specialists persist, necessitating innovative community-based care models.
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The expansion of cancer care services into smaller cities will improve access to treatment for patients, potentially reducing travel and associated costs.
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