Kerala Enhances Cancer Treatment with Robotic Surgery and Advanced Facilities
Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 17 (PTI) – Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced the introduction of robotic surgery for cancer treatment at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram, and the Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC), Thalassery. This marks a significant milestone as the first government-backed robotic surgical unit in the state.
Addressing a query from CPI(M) MLA V Joy in the Assembly, George highlighted that cancer prevention and control remain a top priority under the Nava Kerala Action Plan-2 Aardram Mission. The Cancer Grid system, established by the Health Department, aims to streamline cancer patient care by linking diagnostic labs, treatment centres, and hospitals across all districts. This grid integrates three major cancer centres, medical college treatment units, and district hospitals to enhance coordination and efficiency.
On February 4, 2025, the Chief Minister inaugurated the cancer awareness campaign ‘Arogyam Anandam – Akattam Arbudham’, coinciding with the launch of the Cancer Grid initiative. The ‘Karunya Sparsham – Zero Profit Anti-Cancer Drugs’ scheme has also gained momentum, providing costly cancer medicines at significantly reduced prices through select Karunya pharmacies. In just five months, medicines worth ₹2.5 crore were distributed, offering discounts of up to 88%.
The Kerala government has doubled its budget for cancer drugs, allocating ₹27.43 crore in 2024-25 for government hospitals through the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL). Additionally, nearly 12 lakh individuals were screened in the first phase of the ‘Arogyam Anandam – Akattam Arbudham’ campaign, with 45,000 women above 30 referred for further cancer diagnostics.
To improve early detection, government hospitals have been equipped with PET scans, SPECT scans, mammography units, and high-end radiation therapy machines like LINAC, Telecobalt, and brachytherapy units. The MCC has been upgraded to a Postgraduate Institute of Oncology Science and Research, receiving ₹562.25 crore from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
Further advancements include digital pathology, the development of ‘Cervi Scan’ by RCC for cervical cancer detection (recognized by the UN), and innovative therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy and ocular plaque brachytherapy for eye cancer at MCC. The government’s continued investments and initiatives aim to make Kerala a leader in cancer treatment and research.
