Jaipur. In a significant step toward strengthening the continuum of cancer care, a high-level workshop titled “Align for Impact: Strengthening Comprehensive Cancer Care in Rajasthan” was held on April 1 in Jaipur. The workshop was jointly organized by Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (BMCHRC), Roche India Healthcare Institute (RIHI), and APCO, bringing together senior government officials, leading clinicians, public health experts, and development partners.
Amid rising cancer cases in the state, the workshop focused on addressing key gaps in cancer care by initiating the development of Rajasthan-specific Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs). These guidelines aim to ensure consistency in diagnosis and treatment protocols, improve patient outcomes, and promote equitable access to quality healthcare across both urban and rural regions. The discussions also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector in strengthening cancer care services.
The Chief Guest, Rajasthan Health Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and improving cancer outcomes. He stated that increased health budget allocation reflects the state’s resolve to expand access and improve the quality of care. He also emphasized that developing state-specific treatment guidelines is a timely and crucial step toward building an equitable cancer care ecosystem.
Key deliberations during the workshop included early detection and screening programs, improved access to advanced treatments such as immuno-oncology and precision medicine, and sustainable financing through schemes like Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana (MAA). Experts also stressed the need for stronger public-private partnerships to bridge existing gaps, create robust referral systems, and ensure uniform cancer treatment across all healthcare levels.
Major General Subhash Pareek (Retd.), Executive Director of BMCHRC, highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration and a patient-centric approach grounded in clinical excellence and standardized practices.
Dr. Monika Puri, Chief Commercial Officer at Roche, emphasized adopting global best practices and ensuring that advanced innovations reach the right patient at the right time through strong collaboration among government, industry, academia, and civil society.
Dr. P. R. Sodhani, who chaired one of the key panel discussions, underlined the importance of integrated efforts across service delivery, infrastructure, human resources, and digital systems to achieve high-quality and standardized cancer care.
The workshop concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to develop and implement Rajasthan-specific Standard Treatment Guidelines. A detailed roadmap with defined milestones is expected to be finalized in the coming months, marking a major step toward a more coordinated, equitable, and future-ready cancer care system in the state.