Nearly 65,000 patients treated in eight years, reflecting the Centre’s growing clinical strength and commitment to accessible oncology care

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 3, 2026

Ahead of World Cancer Day, Vedanta Limited—India’s leading metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology conglomerate—reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening India’s cancer care ecosystem through BALCO Medical Centre (BMC). One of the country’s leading cancer care institutions, BMC operates a state-of-the-art 170-bed oncology facility in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, expanding access to affordable, advanced and curative cancer care across central India.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 — Good Health and Well-Being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all — BALCO Medical Centre is bridging critical gaps in cancer diagnosis and treatment through advanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Since its inception in 2018, the Centre has evolved into a major hub for comprehensive and accessible oncology services, having treated nearly 65,000 patients, performed close to 12,000 major surgeries, and delivered over 80,000 chemotherapy sessions. Beyond clinical care, BMC has conducted more than 500 community health screening camps and cancer awareness programmes, underscoring its sustained commitment to early detection and prevention across both rural and urban communities.

India bears a significant share of the global cancer burden, with a large number of cases detected at advanced stages and specialised care largely concentrated in metropolitan cities. For patients in non-metro regions, limited access often results in delayed diagnosis, prolonged travel and poorer health outcomes. Decentralised centres such as BALCO Medical Centre play a vital role in addressing this imbalance by bringing high-quality cancer care closer to communities where it is most needed.

Demonstrating its growing clinical expertise, BALCO Medical Centre recently performed one of the most complex procedures in oncology—a Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal vein resection—on a 42-year-old patient diagnosed with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Such highly specialised surgeries are typically available at only a handful of advanced centres worldwide, highlighting BMC’s capability to deliver world-class care in a non-metro setting.

Highlighting the importance of World Cancer Day, Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson, Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, said, “World Cancer Day is a reminder that awareness, early detection and timely treatment remain among the most powerful tools to reduce the burden of cancer. Through BALCO Medical Centre and its community-focused interventions, we are committed to expanding access to quality cancer care and encouraging a proactive approach to health. By taking preventive healthcare closer to communities, we aim to contribute meaningfully to a healthier and more resilient society.”

Reiterating the Centre’s strong focus on early diagnosis, Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director, Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, said, “Early diagnosis and informed decision-making significantly improve cancer outcomes. Our World Cancer Day initiatives reflect our dual focus on clinical excellence and community engagement. Through screenings, awareness programmes and expert-led interactions, we continue to empower individuals with the knowledge and support required for timely intervention and a better quality of life.”

As part of its World Cancer Day initiatives, BALCO Medical Centre organised multiple cancer screening camps across Chhattisgarh in collaboration with community organisations and educational institutions to identify risks early and encourage timely medical intervention. These initiatives included the ‘Knowledge is Sensitivity: Public (C4) Power’ cancer awareness webinar. To further motivate individuals to prioritise preventive healthcare, BMC also announced a limited-period 20 per cent concession on select health screening packages from February 1 to 7, 2026, helping reduce barriers to early diagnosis. On-ground outreach activities included screening programmes with Terapanth Samaj, Raipur; a camp at Rungta Dental College, Bhilai; and a health talk and screening camp conducted in collaboration with the State Health System Resource Centre (SHSRC) and Dear Foundation, Switzerland.

The first flagship initiative of the Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (VMRF), BALCO Medical Centre continues to improve access to quality medical care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of lakhs of people. The Centre’s team of renowned cancer specialists regularly conducts awareness initiatives to educate communities on the importance of preventive screening and early risk reduction for various types of cancer.

Medical experts from BALCO Medical Centre actively engage with students, working professionals and community members through awareness talks, health camps and webinars. In addition to comprehensive cancer treatment, patients receive holistic care, including psychological counselling, nutritional guidance, physical therapy and access to patient support groups that provide emotional support throughout their treatment journey.