National, 4th February 2025: On this World Cancer Day, Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, reaffirms its commitment towards supporting cancer research, and patient care initiatives in India. As part of its CSR commitments, Axis Bank has partnered with three reputed cancer institutions in India – National Cancer Grid (NCG) under Tata Memorial Centre, The Indian Cancer Society (ICS), and the St. Jude India Childcare Centres, for building India’s digital capabilities in oncology, enhancing access to cancer care, raising awareness on early cancer diagnosis and treatment, and advancing cancer research and innovation.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), cancer cases in India are projected to rise significantly, reaching 2.08 million by 2040, marking a sharp increase of 57.5 percent from 2020, highlighting the urgent need to scale up India’s efforts in cancer research and innovation, available medical infrastructure, and mitigating the heavy patient burden in accessing treatment[1]. In this light, the Bank welcomes the announcement by Hon’ble Union Finance Minister in her budget speech on 1st February to establish cancer daycare centres across all districts in India, with 200 such centres to be established in the next three years.
Speaking about these initiatives, Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive for Strategic Programs & Sustainability, Axis Bank, said, ‘At Axis Bank, we are dedicated to supporting India’s collective fight against cancer. Our partnership with key institutions who are playing an important role in the country’s cancer research, treatment and patient care ecosystem is aligned to our vision towards building longer-term capabilities in India’s healthcare sector overall. Together with our partners, we shall continue to work towards building a future where advanced cancer care is within reach for all those in need.’
As part of its long-term vision to improve cancer care facilities, Axis Bank’s partnerships are focusing on three key themes:
1. Advancing cancer research, innovation, and training: Through a landmark multi-year partnership with the National Cancer Grid (NCG), a constituent unit of the Tata Memorial Centre, the Bank is supporting strategic initiatives such as a establishing a national tele-consultation platform for follow-up care, a National Tumour Biobank, digitalization of oncology-specific electronic medical records (EMRs), and setting up of a Virtual Skills Lab for training healthcare professionals. The initiatives are aimed at benefitting not only the 300+ hospitals across India affiliated to the NCG but also the overall healthcare ecosystem in India. The digital initiatives are also aligned to India’s efforts to scale up digital health adoption including the use of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
2. Strengthening preventive care: In collaboration with the Indian Cancer Society (ICS), one of India’s oldest non-profit, national organisations focused on awareness, detection, cure, and care for those affected with cancer, the Bank is supporting screening and awareness camps for oral, cervical and breast cancer targeted to reach over 8 Lakh beneficiaries including citizens and community health workers. The program shall also support the Dr. Arun Kurkure Initiation and Treatment Fund as well as the Cancer Cure Treatment Fund towards providing aid to low-income patients seeking support for diagnostics and treatment.
3. Providing Patient Support: Axis Bank has supported the St. Jude India Childcare Centres, a not-for-profit organization focused on providing ‘home away from home’ facilities for needy children being treated with cancer in major cities, to set up a new childcare facility in Hyderabad, which will provide clean and safe accommodation for families whose children are undergoing cancer treatment. The Hyderabad Centre, with a capacity of 26 family units, was inaugurated on 26th January 2025.
These initiatives exemplify the Bank’s mission to drive scalable, impactful, and sustainable solutions for cancer care, aligning with its broader vision of empowering communities and fostering societal resilience.
