New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

On World Cancer Day, the national capital sent out a powerful message to India and the world—healthcare is no longer confined to hospitals, it is reaching people at their doorstep. Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and driven by the strong political and administrative commitment of the Delhi Government, Delhi has emerged as a model for preventive and people-centric cancer care.


At the heart of this landmark initiative is the launch of the CAPS Programme (Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Screening Programme) at the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI)—a move that aligns seamlessly with India’s broader push towards preventive healthcare.


PM Modi’s Vision: Prevention Before Cure
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized that a healthy nation is the foundation of a strong nation. Flagship initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Digital Health Mission, and an increased focus on preventive healthcare reflect this philosophy.


Delhi’s cancer-focused interventions now stand as a strong extension of this national vision.


Health Minister Dr Pankaj Singh: “Healthcare at the Doorstep”
Launching the CAPS programme, Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Singh underlined the government’s intent in clear terms:
“Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Delhi Government is committed to ensuring that cancer screening and awareness move beyond hospital walls. Healthcare must reach people where they live and work.”


He further announced that special budgetary provisions have been made in the Delhi Budget for cancer prevention, early diagnosis and advanced treatment, reinforcing the capital’s healthcare infrastructure.


Chief Minister Rekha Gupta: ‘Healthy Delhi, Beautiful Delhi’
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reaffirmed the government’s resolve, stating:
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream is a healthy India. With the same inspiration, the Delhi Government is working relentlessly towards the goal of ‘Healthy Delhi, Beautiful Delhi’. The fight against cancer is being taken up with sensitivity, seriousness and long-term commitment.”


Policy Backbone: Health Secretary’s Strategic Role
The presence of Dr Tapsya Raghav, Special Secretary (Health), Government of Delhi, highlighted the strong policy-to-practice coordination, ensuring that healthcare reforms are not limited to announcements but are effectively implemented on the ground.


Dr Vinod Kumar: CAPS as a People’s Movement
Explaining the scope of the programme, Dr Vinod Kumar, Medical Director and Director, Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI), said:
“Cancer can be defeated only through awareness, timely screening and community participation. Under CAPS, mobile cancer screening vans equipped with HPV DNA testing and mammography will be deployed across markets, offices, banks and public spaces.”
He stressed that women often neglect their own health, and early screening can be life-saving.


Doctors Lead from the Front
Medical experts reinforced the scientific importance of early diagnosis:
Dr Pragya Shukla, Head of Department, Clinical Oncology, DSCI, stated:
“Cancer detected at an early stage is highly treatable. Screening remains our strongest weapon.”
Dr Ravinder Singh, Joint Director, DSCI, acknowledged the collective effort behind the successful execution of the programme.

Digital Health and Last-Mile Awareness
Highlighting the role of technology, Gaurav Kumar, Co-founder, BigOHealth, spoke on ‘Last-Mile Cancer Awareness’, emphasizing that digital platforms are crucial to delivering accurate health information to the most remote sections of society.


Screening, Schools and Sensitivity
Post-event initiatives included a cancer screening camp, where:
50 women underwent HPV testing
Breast cancer screening and mammography were conducted on a first-come-first-served basis
Additionally, under DSCI’s PANKH initiative, poster competitions in government schools and a poetry session within the hospital campus added a human and emotional dimension to the campaign.
The participation of the Tibetan Cancer Society brought an international humanitarian touch. Its Director Tsultrim Dorjee remarked:
“True healing addresses the body, mind and soul together.”


Preparing for Tomorrow
Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), a VIA training workshop was conducted where:
Dr Vineeta Kumar Jaggi
Dr Dhruv Jain
trained eight Delhi Government medical officers, strengthening future-ready cancer screening capacity.
Why This Is a Front-Page National Story
Because this is not just an event—it is the convergence of national vision, state commitment and medical excellence.


From the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
to the resolve of the Delhi Government,
to the execution by Delhi State Cancer Institute—
Delhi has demonstrated that healthcare is the true measure of development.
Healthy Delhi, Beautiful Delhi is no longer a slogan—it is becoming a reality.