The International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) and ILS Hospital, Agartala, have launched advanced cancer care services in Tripura, offering chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and more, to make world-class oncology treatment accessible and affordable under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
A new chapter in healthcare has begun for Tripura as the International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI), in collaboration with ILS Hospital, Agartala, introduces a full spectrum of advanced cancer care services to the region. This initiative is set to transform Tripura’s medical landscape by providing world-class oncology treatment, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state for specialized care.
At a press conference held at the Agartala Press Club on Tuesday, prominent oncologist Dr. Gautam Majumdar addressed the media to outline the services and facilities now available under this partnership. He was accompanied by a team of renowned specialists — Dr. Gaurav Kumar Dubey (Nuclear Medicine), Dr. Devleena Gangopadhyay (Medical Oncology), Dr. Debanjan Chakraborty (Radiation Oncology), and Dr. Tapan Sharma (Surgical Oncology). Each of them brings extensive experience from India’s leading cancer treatment institutions, strengthening the state’s capacity to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer care.
Dr. Majumdar highlighted alarming cancer statistics in Tripura based on Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data. “Around 70 out of every 10,000 people in rural areas and 120 out of every 10,000 in urban regions are affected by cancer annually. The state reports nearly 4,000 new cases every year,” he said. He emphasized that early detection and regular screening remain crucial in saving lives. To that end, he encouraged residents to undergo mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, and low-dose CT scans, especially for those in high-risk categories.
Adding further insight, Dr. Debanjan Chakraborty revealed that head and neck cancers are among the most common in Tripura, largely linked to lifestyle habits. “We appeal to people to stay away from tobacco and alcohol, which are the leading contributors to cancer risk,” he cautioned. Dr. Chakraborty stressed that prevention, awareness, and timely diagnosis are the strongest tools to fight cancer effectively.
The collaboration between IOCI and ILS Hospital is not merely administrative but a step toward establishing Tripura’s first private comprehensive cancer hospital. The partnership agreement, signed on June 22, 2024, laid the foundation for an advanced oncology facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This development follows a significant milestone achieved earlier on June 13, when Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine — a cornerstone of precision radiotherapy — marking a leap forward in Tripura’s medical infrastructure.
At present, IOCI offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment facilities at ILS Hospital, including:
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Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
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Advanced Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy
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Onco Surgery and PET CT Scanning
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Second Opinion Services for complex cases
These services ensure that cancer patients in Tripura receive comprehensive, evidence-based treatment tailored to their medical and emotional needs — without the burden of long-distance travel or high expenses.
Moreover, Dr. Majumdar announced that patients could avail benefits through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aims to make advanced cancer care affordable and accessible to all. This integration of government support with cutting-edge private healthcare signifies a monumental shift in Tripura’s healthcare ecosystem.
The introduction of such facilities has been widely welcomed by both the medical community and the general public, as it not only strengthens the state’s healthcare infrastructure but also provides new hope for thousands of families affected by cancer.
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As Tripura takes this significant leap forward in medical technology and treatment capacity, the IOCI–ILS partnership stands as a testament to how collaboration between healthcare institutions can bridge regional healthcare disparities and ensure that quality cancer treatment is within everyone’s reach.
