The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has described how cancer care is being expanded through the National Health Mission and related schemes. The policy significance lies in two linked goals: early detection at the district level and stronger referral to specialist and tertiary oncology facilities.
What the Union Government has said
The Union Government has stated that health is a State subject and that State Governments carry the primary responsibility for healthcare delivery, including cancer care. The Department of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to States and Union Territories through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, which is part of the National Health Mission.
The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases focuses on infrastructure strengthening, human resource development, screening, early diagnosis, referral, treatment, and health promotion for non-communicable diseases.
Current cancer-care architecture
The government has listed district and community-level facilities created under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases to support cancer-related services and non-communicable disease care. The stated approach combines population-based screening, day-care services, and tertiary treatment centres.
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