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Key Points

Gujarat is revolutionizing lung cancer care through the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute's comprehensive treatment approach. The state has successfully treated 4,397 patients, with a significant focus on early detection and tobacco cessation. Advanced medical technologies and affordable healthcare have positioned Gujarat as a national leader in cancer treatment. The state's medical tourism growth of 33% highlights its emerging reputation in global healthcare services.

Key Points: Gujarat GCRI Leads Lung Cancer Care with 4,397 Patients Treated

  • GCRI treats 4,397 lung cancer patients from 2020-2024
  • 3,256 patients benefit from PMJAY-MA health scheme
  • Medical tourism in Gujarat grows 33% annually
  • Advanced technologies like CyberKnife support comprehensive cancer care
2 min read

Gujarat emerges as national leader in lung cancer care: Over 4,300 patients treated at GCRI in 5 years

Gujarat Cancer Research Institute emerges as national lung cancer treatment hub, offering advanced care and improving patient outcomes across India.

"Awareness is our greatest defence. Early detection, quitting tobacco, and timely care can save lives. - Dr. Shashank Pandya, GCRI Director"

Gandhinagar, July 31

Gujarat is solidifying its position as a national hub for advanced lung cancer treatment, with the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) in Ahmedabad treating 4,397 patients between 2020 and 2024.

Of these, 3,256 patients benefited from the PMJAY-MA health scheme, underscoring the state's commitment to affordable, high-quality cancer care.

Speaking on World Lung Cancer Day, GCRI officials urged the public to prioritise early screening and tobacco cessation, stressing that over 40 per cent of cases in India are diagnosed at late stages, significantly reducing survival chances.

GCRI Director Dr. Shashank Pandya emphasised, "Awareness is our greatest defence. Early detection, quitting tobacco, and timely care can save lives."

The annual number of patients seeking treatment at GCRI has seen a steady rise: 700 in 2020, 813 in 2021, 865 in 2022, 933 in 2023 and 1,086 in 2024. Among the 4,397 patients treated, 3,597 were men, 799 women, and one child, with 1,426 patients coming from other Indian states--further validating Gujarat's growing reputation in cancer care.

GCRI has also emerged as a key player in India's medical tourism sector, offering globally competitive treatment options using cutting-edge technologies such as CyberKnife, True Beam, TomoTherapy, Robotic Surgery, and advanced diagnostics like PET-CT, PSMA Scan, NGS, and 3 Tesla MRI.

Under its 2006 Medical Tourism Policy, the state has recorded a growth rate of 33 per cent in medical tourism - well ahead of the national average of 20 per cent. Major cities, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat, host advanced super-speciality hospitals renowned for specialities such as cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, infertility treatment, and oncology.

Ahmedabad's massive Civil Hospital - Asia's largest - and private institutions like Zydus Hospitals and Shalby Hospitals offer NABH/NABL‑accredited services, cutting-edge diagnostics, and high-end surgeries at a fraction of international costs.

Affordable procedures, streamlined medical visa support, cashless facilities, and seamless infrastructure make Gujarat particularly appealing to Non‑Resident Gujaratis (NRGs) as well as overseas patients from Africa, SAARC nations, and the Middle East.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the numbers are impressive, I wish they'd share more about survival rates. Early detection is key, but we need better awareness campaigns in rural areas where tobacco use is rampant. Still, good job Gujarat!
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Rohit P
My uncle was treated at GCRI last year. The facilities are world-class but the waiting periods can be long. More investment needed to handle the growing patient numbers. Nevertheless, proud of our state's healthcare!
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Sarah B
As someone working in global healthcare, I'm amazed at how Gujarat is combining affordability with cutting-edge tech. The medical tourism growth is no surprise - these are services that cost 5x more in the West!
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Kavya N
The gender disparity in patients (3,597 men vs 799 women) shows we need more research on how lung cancer affects women differently in India. But great to see Gujarat leading in healthcare innovation! 💪
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Vikram M
Gujarat's healthcare model should be replicated nationwide. The combination of government schemes and private expertise is exactly what India needs. But we must also focus more on prevention - ban gutka completely!
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Ananya R
My mother was among those treated under PMJAY-MA. The care was excellent but the paperwork was exhausting. More digital processes would help patients focus on recovery rather than

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