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AIIMS Expert Demands Dedicated Cancer Budget to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in 5 Years

An AIIMS Delhi radiation oncology expert has urged the government to significantly increase the health budget with a dedicated allocation for cancer care ahead of the Union Budget 2026. Dr. Abhishek Shankar emphasized that a separate cancer budget would improve accessibility and affordability, empowering oncologists and state governments. He specifically highlighted that targeted funding is crucial for India to meet the WHO's 90-70-90 targets for eliminating preventable cervical cancer. The expert expressed optimism that with decisive investment, India could make remarkable progress toward this elimination goal within the next five years.

Key Points: Dedicated Cancer Budget Needed to Eliminate Cervical Cancer: AIIMS Expert

  • Increase health budget for accessibility
  • Dedicated cancer allocation empowers states
  • Target WHO's 90-70-90 cervical cancer goals
  • Funding can achieve elimination in 5 years
2 min read

AIIMS expert calls for dedicated cancer allocation in Union Budget to accelerate cervical cancer elimination

Ahead of Budget 2026, an AIIMS Delhi expert calls for a separate cancer allocation to achieve WHO cervical cancer elimination targets within five years.

"This year, I will be happiest if I see a separate budget to achieve cervical cancer elimination goals. - Dr Abhishek Shankar"

By Shalini Bhardwaj, New Delhi, January 20

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, an AIIMS Delhi expert has called for a significant increase in health sector allocation, with a special focus on cancer care and cervical cancer elimination, stating that targeted funding could help India achieve global elimination goals within the next five years.

Dr Abhishek Shankar, Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, said that while every budget addresses everyday economic concerns, there is a pressing need for enhanced investment in healthcare to improve accessibility and affordability across the country.

"There should be an increase in the health budget to address the problems of accessibility and affordability in healthcare delivery," Dr Shankar said, highlighting the impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He noted that the flagship programme has strengthened cancer care delivery, particularly by enabling patients in rural and peripheral areas to access timely cancer treatment.

As a cancer specialist, Dr Shankar emphasised the importance of a dedicated cancer budget, saying it would empower oncologists and state governments to expand cancer services and reduce the financial burden on patients. "If there is a dedicated cancer budget, it will help improve cancer accessibility and address affordability concerns," he said.

Focusing on cervical cancer, Dr Shankar pointed out that its elimination is a global public health agenda, as the disease is largely preventable and curable if detected early. He said that increased funding could help India move decisively towards the World Health Organisation's 90-70-90 targets, 90 per cent HPV vaccination coverage, 70 per cent screening coverage, and 90 per cent treatment for those diagnosed.

"This year, I will be happiest if I see a separate budget to achieve cervical cancer elimination goals. In the next five years, we can make a remarkable difference in achieving these targets," he said.

Expressing optimism, Dr Shankar urged the government to take a step forward in the upcoming budget, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in addressing major healthcare challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju has announced that President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Budget Session 2026, which will begin on January 28 and continue until April 2.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Fully support this. Ayushman Bharat is good, but we need focused funding. The 90-70-90 target for cervical cancer is achievable if we put money and will behind it. This should be a national priority alongside infrastructure.
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Aman W
While I agree healthcare needs more funds, I hope the allocation is implemented efficiently. Sometimes funds get stuck in bureaucracy. We need a transparent system to ensure the money reaches the ground and helps actual patients.
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Sarah B
As someone working in public health, this is a crucial step. HPV vaccination for girls needs a massive push. A separate budget line will give the mission the focus it desperately needs. Let's make cervical cancer a thing of the past.
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Vikram M
Good suggestion by the AIIMS expert. Cancer treatment costs can wipe out a family's savings. If the budget can make screening and vaccination free or very cheap, it will be a huge service to the nation. Jai Hind!
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Nisha Z
We also need awareness campaigns in regional languages. Many women in villages don't even know about cervical cancer screening. Budget should include funds for education along with treatment.

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