GE Healthcare which has committed US$ 1 billion to accelerate research and development of advanced oncology solutions has now partnered with the Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd (HCG) to work together and improve cancer care infrastructure in India.
An initial pilot project setting up a cancer care centre in Bengaluru will be the first step in this direction for which GE is the technology partner. The partnership adds to the existing collaboration between GE and HCG on cancer bio-markers for improved cancer management.
“At GE, we envision a day when cancer is no longer a deadly disease. To scale up cancer care at affordable costs requires disruptive solutions and willing partners. Our renewed partnership with HCG, could propel one of the most critical needs in cancer care in India for early detection and treatment technologies, education and building awareness,” said John Dineen, president and CEO, GE Healthcare.
Dr BS Ajaikumar, chairman, HCG Enterprise, said, “The fight against cancer requires more willing partners. This partnership is not limited to GE and HCG alone. We hope to attract healthcare providers and investors join us in this journey.”
The cancer burden in developing countries is reaching pandemic proportions. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in India, with about 2.5 million cancer patients, one million new cases added every year and with a chance of disease rising five-fold by 2025 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has urged the Government of India to make cancer a notifiable disease. There is a high probability of treating cancers if detected early – in Stage I or Stage II. As per a Boston Consulting Group study, 70-80 per cent of cancer patients are diagnosed late when treatment is less efficient and 60 per cent of them do not have access to quality cancer treatment. Out of 300+ cancer centres in India, 40 per cent are not adequately equipped with advanced cancer care equipment. This study further suggests India will need at least 600 additional cancer care centres to meet the requirements by 2020.
This is expected to provide insights into methods of cost effective and quality cancer care to Tier II and III towns, through a proposed hub and spoke business model. GE and HCG also propose to address the challenges of shortage of skilled manpower through education facilities and enhance disease awareness among general practitioners and patients.
“GE is a technology leader with tremendous expertise in R&D and disruptive innovations gathering knowledge from around the world. HCG is specialist in cancer care, and education with a dedicated network of 26 centres treating nearly 100,000 patients a year. Our goal is common to put an end to cancer,” said Dr Kumar.