Odisha Gov Allocates INR 311 Cr to Strengthen Cancer Care Across the State

Industries and technology startups to collaborate with the government to improve access to cancer care in underserved regions.

The Odisha government is committed to building a resilient and accessible cancer care ecosystem through substantial financial investment and robust mass screening, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said recently.

As part of the initiative, the state government has earmarked INR 311 crore aimed at strengthening cancer care in Odisha, with a focus on expanding treatment facilities, mass screening, and improving access to affordable care.

Commenting on the initiative, the Health Minister said, “With an INR 311 crore budget allocated for the Mukhyamantri Cancer Care Yojana, the state has expanded local treatment capabilities, establishing day-care chemotherapy centres across 32 districts that recently delivered over 35,000 treatment cycles.”

Mahaling called for greater participation of the private sector in expanding advanced cancer screening and diagnostic services, particularly in rural and remote areas.

He also urged industries and technology startups to collaborate with the government to improve access to cancer care in underserved regions.

The minister also urged major corporate houses in Odisha to use their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to adopt districts and support the deployment of mobile cancer screening vans.

He further underscored the need for public-private partnerships, including collaboration with institutions such as the Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, which are expected to support innovative screening models, enable early detection, reduce late-stage treatment costs, and ensure equitable access to life-saving cancer care.

The government has also integrated 91 specialised cancer packages under state health schemes to reduce the financial burden on vulnerable families, the Minister noted.

Alongside treatment expansion, Odisha is focusing on early detection and preventive cancer care. The state is participating in the national HPV vaccination drive for young girls, aimed at strengthening prevention against HPV-related cancers.

The Sustha Nari, Sasakta Parivar initiative has also screened more than 1.5 crore women for breast, cervical, and oral cancers, according to the state government.

The latest cancer care allocation builds on Odisha’s broader healthcare investment under its 2026–27 state budget.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an allocation of INR 23,182 crore to the Health and Family Department under the 2026-2027 Budget, aimed at infrastructure expansion, digital health integration, and strengthening AI-enabled systems in Healthcare.

The budget also has a dedicated fund of INR 23 crore earmarked to accelerate AI adoption across sectors, including healthcare.

As part of the broader cancer care strategy, Odisha has also revamped its cancer programme as the Mukhya Mantri Cancer Care Abhiyan, backed by the INR 311 crore allocation.

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