Maharashtra Gov Signs MoU with Tata Memorial Centre to Enhance Cancer Care Across the State
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The government granted in-principle approval for an INR 100 crore corpus fund for MAHACARE under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.
In a move to strengthen cancer care infrastructure, the government of Maharashtra has announced a series of measures, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maharashtra Cancer Care, Research and Education Foundation (MAHACARE) and the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC).
The initiatives were highlighted during a recent meeting of the Board of Directors of the Maharashtra Cancer Care, Research and Education Foundation, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. The meeting focused on expanding access to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research facilities across Maharashtra.
According to the government, the partnership with Tata Memorial Centre is intended to strengthen the state's cancer care network by leveraging TMC's expertise in cancer treatment and research.
Under the collaboration, Tata Memorial Centre will serve as the apex institution for research and specialised treatment.
The collaboration will also support the development of comprehensive cancer treatment centres, diagnostic facilities, and day-care centres under the state's MahaArogya Project, creating a more integrated cancer care network.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed MAHACARE to work towards establishing treatment and research facilities that meet international standards. He noted that MAHACARE would play a pivotal role in ensuring equitable access to cancer care through a network of technology-enabled state-run facilities.
Commenting on the initiative, the CM said, “MahaCare would play a key role in ensuring every citizen in Maharashtra has access to quality cancer diagnosis and treatment through a network of state-run Level-2 and Level-3 cancer hospitals supported by modern technology.”
In addition, the CM approved the establishment of the Nagpur High-Energy Medical Cyclotron Project as a subsidiary under MAHACARE.
The proposed project is expected to strengthen advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment capabilities by supporting the production of specialised medical isotopes used in cancer imaging and therapy.
In addition, the government granted in-principle approval for an INR 100 crore corpus fund for MAHACARE under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.
The fund is expected to support the development of cancer care infrastructure and related healthcare initiatives in the state.
According to the officials, the broader objective of the initiative is to improve access to quality cancer care beyond major urban centres by strengthening state-run Level 2 and Level 3 cancer hospitals across districts.
The state plans to establish comprehensive district-level cancer centres in Mumbai, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, Nanded, Kolhapur, Chandrapur, Nashik and Amravati.
The proposed network is expected to enable patients to access diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care closer to their place of residence.
The meeting was attended by Minister Prakash Abitkar, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, MAHACARE Chief Executive Officer Dr Ajay Chandanwale, and senior government officials.
Further implementation of the approved projects and collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre is expected to take place in phases following the board's decisions.
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