Agartala, October 14, 2025: In a major boost to cancer care in Tripura and the northeastern region, the International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) has entered into a strategic partnership with ILS Hospitals, Agartala to establish a private cancer hospital offering advanced treatment facilities.

Announcing the collaboration through a press conference at the Agartala Press Club on Tuesday, Dr. Gautam Majumder, MD and Centre Head of IOCI-Agartala, said the new facility aims to provide comprehensive cancer care locally, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state. “Our goal is to ensure early detection and quality treatment for all, including those from economically weaker sections,” he stated.

The hospital will offer a wide range of services including chemotherapy, PET-CT, advanced radiotherapy, onco-surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and second-opinion consultations. Treatments under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY and Tripura’s CMJAY schemes will be accepted, making care more accessible to insured patients.

The medical team comprises specialists across oncology disciplines: Dr. Devleena Gangopadhyay (Medical Oncology), Dr. Tapan Sharma (Surgical Oncology), Dr. Debanjan Chakraborty (Radiation Oncology), and Dr. Gaurav Kumar Dubey (Nuclear Medicine), with Dr. Majumder leading the center.

Citing Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, Dr. Majumder highlighted the cancer burden in Tripura: approximately 4,000 new cases annually, with urban areas reporting 120 cases per lakh population and rural areas around 70. Of these, 3,200 patients receive hospital-based treatment, while 800 either seek care outside the state or remain untreated. “Around 2,000 patients receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but 1,200 are limited to palliative care due to lack of full treatment options,” he noted.

Dr. Majumder emphasized the growing role of private hospitals in bridging this gap, supported by central government grants under the Ayushman scheme ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹5 lakh per patient.

IOCI has already set up OPD-Daycare, PET-CT, and radiation therapy units across two floors of ILS Hospital. Indoor facilities are being utilized for patient admissions. Future plans include forming a Cancer Survivor Association to support underprivileged patients and promote community involvement.

In response to media queries, Dr. Majumder revealed that 160 cancer patients were treated in September 2025 alone, with ₹85 lakh worth of benefits disbursed through PMJAY and CMJAY. Of this, ₹33 lakh was reimbursed by the government. He also noted high prevalence of tobacco-related and alimentary canal cancers in Tripura, with 20–30% of patients suffering from oral and neck cancers.

The initiative marks a significant step toward decentralizing cancer care and ensuring equitable access to advanced treatment across the region.