Lucknow’s Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute is revolutionizing cancer care in Uttar Pradesh with advanced facilities and research. Facing challenges like radiologist shortages, the institute aims to emulate Mumbai’s Tata Memorial. Recent initiatives include specialized breast cancer units and mobile medical services, enhancing access to quality healthcare across the state.
Lucknow’s Cancer Institute Leads UP’s Healthcare Revolution
In Lucknow, the Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute and Hospital (KSSSCIH) stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients in Uttar Pradesh. Established as India’s largest cancer hospital with 1,250 beds, it was inaugurated in October 2020 by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Built at a cost of ₹854 crore over 80 acres, the institute is designed to rival premier facilities like Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Cancer Institute, aiming to provide precise treatment and advanced cancer care education. Prof. Madan Lal Bhatt, who assumed the role of director in January 2025, has outlined ambitious plans to expand infrastructure, enhance patient care, and position KSSSCIH as a national center of excellence.
However, the institute faces significant operational challenges. As of April 2025, the absence of a designated radiologist has led to delays in radiology test reports, forcing many patients to seek diagnostic services from private centers. This increases financial burdens and treatment delays, particularly for those requiring critical MRI scans. Currently, radiologists from the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) are assisting, but their heavy workload limits support. Recruitment for 96 doctors across various departments is pending, with applications received but the process yet to commence.
Despite these hurdles, KSSSCIH is making strides in specialized care. In April 2025, the institute announced plans to establish advanced breast cancer treatment and screening facilities following a workshop with Health Technology Assessment India (HTAIn). The initiative focuses on evidence-based approaches to improve breast cancer care, addressing a critical need highlighted by Dr. Pinky Joel, managing director of Uttar Pradesh’s National Health Mission. She emphasized the role of programs like Ayushman Arogya Mandir in strengthening healthcare delivery.
Uttar Pradesh’s broader healthcare landscape is also evolving. On June 25, 2025, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak launched four mobile medical units under the ‘Smile on Wheels’ initiative, a collaboration between MSD Pharmaceuticals and Smile Foundation. Operating in Lucknow, Sonbhadra, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, these units aim to deliver primary healthcare to underserved areas, complementing existing services in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Bahraich. This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to improving healthcare access, a key component of India’s health-tech revolution, as noted by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on June 29, 2025. He highlighted advancements like India’s HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention as part of the country’s push toward precision healthcare.
Nationally, cancer care is advancing, with innovations like the Indian Institute of Science’s glowing paper sensor for early liver cancer detection, reported on July 1, 2025. Such technologies could complement KSSSCIH’s efforts to provide cutting-edge diagnostics. However, global challenges, such as budget cuts to the National Cancer Institute in the US, underscore the importance of sustained investment in research and infrastructure, a lesson applicable to KSSSCIH’s growth plans.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and publicly available information from sources like The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and posts on X. Data is accurate as of July 2, 2025, and reflects ongoing developments. Readers are advised to verify critical healthcare information with official sources.