Gandhinagar: On the occasion of World Cancer Day observed every year on February 4, the Gujarat government today announced that more than 2 lakh cancer patients in the state have received free treatment under PMJAY-MA in the last six years. The state government has approved over ₹2,855 crore for the treatment of these patients during this period.

The official press note states, “The Gujarat Cancer Research Institute (GCRI), jointly run by the Government of Gujarat and the Gujarat Cancer Society, has emerged as an important center for cancer treatment and care in the state. Equipped with modern medical facilities, this institute is dedicated to the treatment of cancer patients. In 2024, GCRI has provided treatment to 25,956 cancer cases, including 17,107 cases from Gujarat, 8,843 from other states (notably 4,331 from Madhya Pradesh, 2,726 from Rajasthan, and 1,043 from Uttar Pradesh, with the remaining from other states), and six international cases.”

“Not only this, apart from treating cancer patients, GCRI also runs a cancer awareness campaign. In 2024, GCRI organized 78 cancer screening camps, benefiting 7,700 people. Similarly, 22 awareness lectures were conducted, reaching 4,550 people. GCRI also organized 41 blood donation camps,” the statement further said.

The statement also states that under an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, 2022, 35 Day Care Chemotherapy Centers have been established in all districts of the state. These centers provide necessary chemotherapy treatment in district hospitals.

“Gujarat Cancer Research Institute (GCRI), Ahmedabad, along with its three other satellite centers at Siddhpur, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar, provides essential treatment services, teleconsultancy services, and essential medicines through Day Care Chemotherapy Centers located in district hospitals. According to the statistics, by the year 2024, more than 71,000 patients have undergone over 2,03,000 chemotherapy sessions (cycles) at all these Day Care Chemotherapy Centers,” the press note added.