Gujarat Becomes a National Leader in Lung Cancer Treatment: GCRI Treats Over 4,300 Patients in 5 Years

Gujarat is making strong progress in the field of lung cancer care. According to data collected between 2020 and 2024, the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) in Ahmedabad has successfully treated 4,397 lung cancer patients.

Out of these, 3,256 patients were treated under the PMJAY-MA health scheme, which highlights Gujarat’s efforts to provide affordable and quality cancer care to its citizens.

Urging Early Detection and Tobacco Control

On the occasion of World Lung Cancer Day, officials from GCRI encouraged people to go for early check-ups and to quit tobacco, which is a major cause of lung cancer. The experts shared that in India, over 40% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at later stages, reducing chances of survival.

Dr. Shashank Pandya, Director of GCRI, said, “Awareness is the most powerful tool we have. If cancer is detected early and tobacco use is stopped, many lives can be saved.”

Rise in Number of Patients Every Year

The number of patients coming to GCRI for treatment has been increasing every year:

• 2020 – 700 patients
• 2021 – 813 patients
• 2022 – 865 patients
• 2023 – 933 patients
• 2024 – 1,086 patients

Among the total 4,397 patients:

• 3,597 were men
• 799 were women
• 1 was a child

Notably, 1,426 patients came from other states, showing that Gujarat is gaining national trust in cancer care.

World-Class Cancer Treatment in Gujarat

GCRI is not only helping local patients but is also attracting people from other states and countries, becoming a key name in India’s medical tourism. The hospital uses modern technology such as:

• CyberKnife
• True Beam
• TomoTherapy
• Robotic Surgery

It also offers top-level tests like PET-CT scans, PSMA scans, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and 3 Tesla MRI.

Gujarat: A Hub for Medical Tourism

Thanks to its Medical Tourism Policy launched in 2006, Gujarat has seen a 33% growth in this sector—well above the national growth rate of 20%. Cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat are home to advanced hospitals that specialise in:

• Heart surgery
• Brain and spine treatment
• Joint replacements
• Infertility solutions
• Cancer treatment

Hospitals such as Zydus Hospitals, Shalby Hospitals, and the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad (Asia’s largest) offer treatments that are NABH/NABL certified. Patients benefit from affordable surgeries, cashless treatments, and support with medical visas.

These facilities are especially attractive to Non-Resident Gujaratis (NRGs) and foreign patients from Africa, SAARC countries, and the Middle East.

Jan Jagran Darpan’s Conclusion:
With top-tier technology, skilled doctors, and government-supported health schemes, Gujarat is fast becoming a trusted name in lung cancer treatment. The consistent rise in patient numbers shows the state’s success in offering hope and healing to thousands of lives.