The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi, virtually inaugurated the newly constructed Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) building at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, on March 1, 2026 along with the other developmental projects of Puducherry. 

 

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi emphasized the Government’s commitment to equitable healthcare, stating that healthcare must be “accessible, available, and affordable to all.” He highlighted that the vision is being realized through the transformative impact of Ayushman Bharat, which is fulfilling the healthcare aspirations of crores of citizens across India. He further underscored that no citizen of Puducherry should be compelled to travel elsewhere for treatment, expressing confidence that instead, people from other regions would increasingly come to Puducherry for healing. The Prime Minister strongly affirmed his belief that Puducherry has the potential to emerge as a major medical tourism hub, Noting JIPMER’s long-standing legacy as a premier institution  of national importance, he stated that the modernization of its Regional Cancer Centre would significantly  augment its healthcare capacity and further elevate its role as a centre of excellence in cancer care.

 

Built at a cost of ₹94.64 crores, the facility significantly strengthens accessible, advanced, and affordable cancer care, reinforcing JIPMER’s status as an Institute of National Importance. Spanning 10,000 sq. metres (Ground + 3 floors), the new RCC increases bed capacity from 80 to 280, making it one of the largest government cancer care facilities in the region. Designed as a state-of-the-art, patient-centric centre, it aims to reduce overcrowding and waiting times while ensuring timely access to cancer surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, and other advanced procedures.

The facility houses six modern operation theatres facilitating comprehensive advanced surgical oncology services, expanded medical oncology wards with high-dependency units, specialized leukaemia induction rooms, and a strengthened bone marrow transplant unit with 14 isolation beds. It includes a dedicated paediatric oncology division, a 40-bed Chemotherapy Day Care Unit, enhanced palliative care services, and a newly established Department of Preventive Oncology focused on screening, awareness, and early detection of common cancers.

For decades, RCC JIPMER has served patients from Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and across South and East India, particularly those from economically weaker sections. The expanded centre strengthens delivery of subsidized cancer care and supports national health initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and assistance through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, enabling eligible patients to access cashless or financially supported treatment.

By integrating prevention, advanced therapy, research, rehabilitation, and training under one roof, the expanded RCC at JIPMER represents a comprehensive cancer care ecosystem. This landmark development reflects the Government of India’s sustained commitment to ensuring that world-class cancer care remains accessible, affordable, and inclusive for the poor and vulnerable across the nation, while positioning Puducherry as a rising centre of excellence in healthcare.

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TV/RK

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