Cancer care demand continues to rise, while access to advanced and specialised treatment facilities remains limited, particularly in parts of Southern and Eastern India. Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), a unit of Tata Memorial Centre in Visakhapatnam, serves as a key regional facility. However, the growing patient load and the need for specialised treatments often result in patients travelling to centres such as Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, leading to overcrowding, delays, and increased financial and emotional burden.
The existing infrastructure is under pressure to meet this rising demand, underscoring the need to expand capacity and strengthen access to comprehensive cancer care closer to communities. Bridging this gap is essential to reduce waiting times, improve treatment accessibility, and enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.
Strengthening Cancer Care Infrastructure at HBCHRC, Visakhapatnam
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer care infrastructure, we are supporting the development of the ICICI Foundation Child and Blood Cancer Block at HBCHRC, Visakhapatnam. Spread across approximately 3.9 lakh square feet, this facility will serve as a regional nodal centre for specialised cancer care in South India.
Designed to be one of the largest facilities of its kind in Asia, the block will focus on treating paediatric cancers, adult blood cancers, and lymphomas. It will house advanced treatment infrastructure including chemotherapy units, bone marrow transplantation facilities, radiation therapy systems, dedicated operation theatres, ICUs, inpatient beds and day care chemotherapy units, along with comprehensive diagnostic services. The facility will also include research labs and dedicated spaces for training and collaboration, enabling continuous learning and advancement in cancer care.
The facility is expected to benefit approximately 3,000 additional patients annually by expanding access to specialised cancer treatment.
Equipped with advanced technologies, including three new LINACs and a multidisciplinary care approach, it will enhance treatment capacity and bring timely, high-quality care closer to patients in the region.
“We are grateful to ICICI Foundation for their generous donation, which will significantly contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment and research in this region. This collaboration, alongside the expertise of L&T will play a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare infrastructure and improve cancer outcomes for patients across the country.”
– Dr Umesh Mahantshetty, Director, HBCHRC