35,000 cases have been recorded in Telangana’s cancer registry, informed a government adviser to the minister

Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha along with oncologist Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, Health Minister Christina Z. Chongthu and senior officials during a review meeting on Tuesday, November 3. Photo credit: Special arrangement

The Telangana government has expanded cancer treatment services to all 33 districts in the state, with day cancer centers providing chemotherapy locally to reduce the need for patients to travel to Hyderabad, Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha said on Tuesday, November 3. The government has also initiated steps to establish regional cancer centers to further strengthen cancer care infrastructure, he added.

The minister made these remarks during an evaluation meeting on medical services provided to cancer patients in government hospitals.

Oncologist Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, who also serves as advisor to the Telangana government on preventive, curative and affordable cancer care, said 35,000 cancer cases have been registered on the dedicated cancer portal. “Declaring cancer a reportable disease and effective use of the cancer registry will help strengthen the state’s efforts to monitor and control the disease,” he added.

Dr. Nori cited the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program as an example and praised the state’s efforts in cancer prevention, screening and early detection. Of the 3.4 million eligible girls in Telangana, 2.3 million of them have been vaccinated against HPV, reaching 67% coverage, he said.

During the meeting, the officials briefed the minister about the cancer treatment facilities available at MNJ Cancer Hospital and Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), besides functioning of chemotherapy day care centers set up across the state. They explained that while patients initially receive treatment at MNJ or NIMS, chemotherapy services are subsequently provided at district-level centres. Patients are also mapped district-wise to facilitate treatment and follow-up.

The minister directed the officials to improve the facilities for patients receiving chemotherapy at the district centers and ensure that the services are easily available at the district headquarters. “Patients should not have to travel to Hyderabad for chemotherapy when the treatment could be provided closer to their homes,” he added.

Published – 03 Nov 2026 20:27 IST