By TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th October 2025: In a significant step toward strengthening cancer treatment infrastructure in Tripura and the northeastern region, the International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) has entered into a partnership with ILS Hospitals, Agartala, to set up a state-of-the-art private cancer hospital in the capital city.
Addressing a press conference at the Agartala Press Club on Tuesday, Dr. Gautam Majumder, MD and Centre Head of IOCI-Agartala, said that the new facility aims to provide comprehensive cancer care within Tripura itself. “Patients from Tripura and other northeastern states can now avail advanced treatment services such as Chemotherapy, PET-CT, Advanced Radiotherapy, Onco Surgery, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Second Opinion services. The hospital also accepts Ayushman Bharat PMJAY and CMJAY schemes,” he said.
Dr. Majumder, along with his team comprising Dr. Devleena Gangopadhyay (Medical Oncology), Dr. Tapan Sharma (Surgical Oncology), Dr. Debanjan Chakraborty (Radiation Oncology), and Dr. Gaurav Kumar Dubey (Nuclear Medicine), highlighted the growing need for specialized oncology services in the state.
Citing ICMR data, Dr. Majumder informed that approximately 70 people per lakh in rural areas and 120 per lakh in urban areas of Tripura are affected by cancer annually. “Nearly 4,000 new cancer cases are reported every year. While 3,200 patients receive treatment at hospitals, about 800 either go outside the state or remain untreated. Among those treated, 2,000 undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy, while 1,200 receive only palliative care due to limited facilities,” he explained.
He further emphasized that private healthcare institutions have an increasing role in bridging the treatment gap. “Under the Ayushman Bharat and state health schemes, the government provides financial assistance ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹5 lakh per patient for cancer treatment,” he said.
Dr. Majumder also announced that IOCI has set up OPD-Daycare, PET-CT, and Radiation Therapy units on two floors of ILS Hospital, using the hospital’s indoor facilities for admissions. “Our objective is to ensure that no cancer patient from Tripura has to travel outside the state. We aim to promote early detection, provide quality healthcare, and form a Cancer Survivor Association to assist underprivileged patients through community support,” he added.
Responding to media queries, Dr. Majumder revealed that in September 2025, IOCI treated 160 cancer patients, providing benefits worth ₹85 lakh under central and state insurance schemes, with ₹33 lakh reimbursed by the government. He noted that tobacco-related and alimentary canal cancers are most prevalent in the state, with 20–30 percent of patients suffering from oral and neck cancers.
“Our mission is to make world-class cancer treatment accessible to every patient in Tripura,” Dr. Majumder said, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to saving lives through early diagnosis and modern care.
