Cancer is one of the most pressing healthcare challenges in India, with millions affected and limited treatment facilities. The country’s oncology infrastructure has long struggled to keep up with the growing number of cases, resulting in delayed diagnoses and overburdened hospitals. Recognizing this urgent need, Everhope Oncology, a joint venture between Narayana Health and W Health Ventures, is stepping forward with a mission to transform cancer care in India.
With a $10 million seed funding, Everhope Oncology has announced plans to establish dedicated cancer care centers in Delhi and Mumbai, with an ambitious goal of expanding to 10 cities over the next three years. This initiative is poised to become the largest healthcare seed investment in India in the past two years, signaling a massive shift in how cancer treatment is delivered.
India’s cancer burden is rising at an alarming rate, and the healthcare system is struggling to cope. The statistics paint a grim picture:
40,000 additional chemotherapy and surgical beds will be required in the coming years.
The country has one oncologist for every 2,000 cancer patients, compared to one per 100 in the US.
More than 60% of cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, reducing survival rates.
Patients often travel hundreds of kilometers for treatment, causing physical, emotional, and financial distress.
The lack of specialized facilities, trained professionals, and timely intervention has created an urgent demand for a more structured and accessible oncology ecosystem. Everhope Oncology aims to bridge this gap by bringing cancer treatment closer to patients while integrating advanced technology for better clinical outcomes.
Everhope Oncology is introducing a city-wide network of cancer care centers, providing a one-stop solution for chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and supportive care. These centers will focus on:
Chemotherapy and Surgical Oncology: Specialized facilities offering safe and high-quality treatment under expert supervision.
Radiation Therapy: Advanced radiation technology for targeted cancer treatment.
Palliative Care and Pain Management: Ensuring patients receive holistic care beyond active treatment.
Mental Health Counseling and Nutritional Support: Addressing the emotional and dietary needs of cancer patients to improve their overall well-being.
24/7 Patient Concierge Service: Offering round-the-clock guidance to patients between treatment sessions.
By making high-quality oncology services available in major cities and, eventually, smaller towns, Everhope Oncology is challenging the conventional hospital-centric model and ensuring patients no longer have to travel long distances for life-saving treatment.
One of Everhope Oncology’s most ambitious initiatives is the integration of cutting-edge technology into cancer care. The venture plans to deploy a state-of-the-art Electronic Health Record (HER) system, which will:
Streamline patient data management for better treatment planning.
Enable AI-driven Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) to assist oncologists in delivering standardized, globally validated treatment.
Reduce administrative burdens on doctors, allowing them to focus on patient care.
By minimizing paperwork and automating clinical processes, Everhope Oncology aims to enhance efficiency, reduce wait times, and ensure precise treatment protocols. This approach is a game-changer, as it allows oncologists to manage more patients without compromising on quality.
While the initial centers will be launched in Delhi and Mumbai, Everhope Oncology has set its sights on Tier-2 cities, where cancer treatment facilities are scarce. The next phase of expansion will focus on eastern India, beginning with Kolkata, followed by other high-demand regions.
Why is this important?
• Smaller cities often lack comprehensive cancer centers, forcing patients to seek treatment in metros.
• Patients from rural and semi-urban areas struggle with long waiting periods and high travel costs.
• Expanding access to these regions will reduce the burden on major hospitals and ensure timely interventions.
By taking an asset-light approach, Everhope Oncology plans to set up specialized, oncologist-driven centers that are cost-effective and scalable, making quality cancer care available to a wider population.
Cancer treatment in India is financially draining, often forcing families to deplete their savings or take loans. Recognizing this challenge, Everhope Oncology is exploring innovative financial solutions to ease the burden on patients.
Cancer treatment in India is at a crossroads. With rising cases, a shortage of specialists, and overburdened hospitals, the need for a transformative approach has never been greater. Everhope Oncology is taking a bold and necessary step toward bridging these critical gaps. By combining technology, specialized care, and financial accessibility, this venture is not just revolutionizing oncology, it is offering hope to millions of cancer patients across the country.