Bhubaneswar: Odisha will soon launch dedicated Cancer Care Vans to take cancer screening and treatment support closer to patients across the state, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said.

According to the minister, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that cancer care reaches every district and reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment. The Cancer Care Vans will be formally launched by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The state government also plans to introduce a day-care system for cancer treatment at 32 district hospitals. Under the system, patients will not have to repeatedly travel to distant districts or Cuttack for chemotherapy.

After a cancer diagnosis, patients will receive their first chemotherapy at Acharya Harihar Cancer Centre in Cuttack. Subsequent chemotherapy sessions, if required, can be taken at the patient's district hospital.

The move is expected to reduce the financial and logistical burden on cancer patients and their families, particularly expenses related to travel and accommodation.

Mahaling also said arrangements have been made to provide free treatment facilities at Acharya Harihar Cancer Centre to patients diagnosed with cancer.

The health minister said the government aims to develop Odisha as a model state in the field of cancer care by strengthening treatment facilities and making services more accessible to patients across the state.