Department of Oncological Sciences of KIMS Hospitals, Thane, hosted “Affordable Cancer Care Conference 2025” on December 13, bringing together clinicians, NGOs, healthcare leaders, and community organisations to address India’s rising cancer burden and the urgent need for accessible, affordable, and collaborative oncology care. India reported an estimated 1.41 million new cancer cases and over 9 lakh deaths in 2022, as per GLOBOCAN data, with one in nine Indians facing a lifetime risk of cancer. Treatment expenses, often exceeding ₹3 lakh per patient annually, continue to push families into catastrophic health expenditure, leading to debt, asset liquidation, and multi-generational financial distress. Against this background, the conference served as a national platform to strengthen partnerships between doctors, NGOs, hospitals, and support systems for sustainable cancer care.
Smt. Parisha Sarnaik, President of Vihang Charitable Trust, along with actors Sakshi Tanwar and Ishtiyak Khan, spoke about the importance of cancer awareness and community engagement, acknowledging the hospital’s efforts in building a comprehensive cancer-care ecosystem with site-specific oncology teams under one roof. The conference featured discussions on oncology sub-specialties, affordable diagnostic pathways, multidisciplinary care models, continuity of treatment, NGO-led intervention frameworks, and patient-centric rehabilitation and survivorship support. Over 45 NGOs participated, showcasing their contributions toward early detection, patient navigation, financial support, and community-based preventive initiatives.
Mr. Saurabh Gupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer of KIMS Hospitals, Thane, emphasised the institution’s mission to deliver world-class cancer treatment that remains financially accessible to every patient, highlighting collaboration as the foundation of a sustainable care framework.
Dr. Anil Heroor, Director of Oncological Sciences and Organising Chairman, noted that modern cancer care requires unified strategies that integrate early diagnosis, timely treatment, and long-term follow-up. Dr. Vani Parmar, Head of Breast Oncosurgery, discussed the need to strengthen women-centric cancer pathways through evidence-based care, counselling, and holistic rehabilitation. Dr. Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant Head and Neck Oncosurgeon and Organising Secretary, addressed India’s disproportionately high burden of head and neck cancers, stressing the importance of prevention, awareness, and integrated treatment systems to improve outcomes.
Led by Organising Chairman Dr. Anil Heroor and Organising Secretary Dr. Hitesh R. Singhavi, the Affordable Cancer Care Conference 2025 reaffirmed KIMS Hospitals Thane’s commitment to building an inclusive and collaborative oncology ecosystem. The event underscored the collective resolve to make advanced cancer care accessible, humane, and affordable for every patient, regardless of socioeconomic background.
