ICICI Foundation, the philanthropic arm of ICICI Group, has pledged ₹550 crore to support the establishment of a state-of-the-art cancer care centre in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with the prestigious Tata Memorial Centre (TMC). This significant initiative marks one of the largest philanthropic contributions toward cancer care in India and underscores a joint commitment to addressing the rising cancer burden in the country.

The proposed centre aims to provide high-quality, affordable cancer treatment and related services to patients in Andhra Pradesh and adjoining regions such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. At present, many patients in these areas are forced to travel long distances to cities like Mumbai or Hyderabad for advanced oncology care. The new facility in Vizag is expected to dramatically reduce this travel burden and waiting time, offering timely diagnosis and treatment closer to home.

Spread across a large campus, the upcoming cancer care centre will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure. It will deliver comprehensive oncology services, including early detection, accurate diagnosis, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, palliative care, and rehabilitation. Furthermore, the centre will also include a strong focus on research and training, facilitating the development of new treatment protocols and providing academic programs for medical professionals and students in the field of oncology.

The initiative will be executed under the guidance and operational excellence of Tata Memorial Centre, a leading institution in cancer treatment and research in India. TMC’s experience and expertise in running world-class oncology hospitals, such as the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, will ensure that the Vizag facility follows the highest standards of patient care, clinical outcomes, and research.

Beyond treatment, the centre will prioritize affordability and accessibility. With financial support from ICICI Foundation, the hospital will be able to offer subsidized or free care to economically disadvantaged patients, ensuring equitable access to life-saving services. The collaboration is also expected to create hundreds of jobs in healthcare, research, and allied services, contributing to local socio-economic development.

The ₹550 crore funding from ICICI Foundation will be disbursed over a multi-year period and will go toward construction, equipment procurement, staff training, and the development of digital health solutions to streamline patient services. It reflects ICICI Group’s long-standing commitment to nation-building and its active role in the social development sector.

This strategic partnership comes at a time when India is facing a sharp rise in cancer cases, with over 14 lakh new cases reported annually. The lack of adequate infrastructure and trained professionals has placed immense pressure on the country’s tertiary healthcare systems. The Vizag cancer care centre is a step in the direction of decentralizing cancer care and making it accessible to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

In conclusion, the joint effort between ICICI Foundation and Tata Memorial Centre represents a major advancement in India’s fight against cancer. By combining infrastructure, expertise, and compassionate care, the project is set to bring hope and healing to thousands of families while strengthening India’s healthcare landscape.