India has become a global hub for advanced cancer treatment, with several hospitals offering free or highly subsidized cancer care for economically weaker sections of society. In 2025, these hospitals stand out not only for their exceptional oncological care but also for their unmatched humanitarian commitment. From chemotherapy and radiation therapy to organ-specific cancer surgeries, these institutions provide comprehensive treatment at no cost under various government schemes and charitable foundations.
We present a detailed guide to the best cancer hospitals in India that offer free treatment, based on infrastructure, treatment quality, patient outreach, and government collaboration.
Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai – The Gold Standard in Free Cancer Treatment
Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) is widely regarded as the best cancer hospital in India for free treatment. Administered by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, TMH is a pioneer in cancer research, prevention, treatment, and education.
Why Tata Memorial Hospital Leads the Nation
- Over 60% of patients receive completely free treatment through the hospital’s internal funds and national health schemes.
- Provides advanced oncology services including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, and palliative care.
- Features dedicated centers for pediatric oncology, head and neck cancers, and rare cancers.
- Offers financial assistance through the ImPaCCT Foundation, Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, and state-specific subsidies.
- Known for its multidisciplinary approach, involving oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and palliative care specialists.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (IRCH), AIIMS New Delhi
A division of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the IRCH is one of India’s most sophisticated oncology centers, offering state-of-the-art cancer care at zero cost for eligible patients.
Key Highlights
- Part of AIIMS, India’s leading government hospital.
- Provides free OPD consultations, diagnostic investigations, and most cancer treatment procedures.
- Equipped with PET CT, gamma knife radiosurgery, linear accelerators, and bone marrow transplant units.
- Ayushman Bharat scheme and other government health programs are fully functional here.
- Recognized for its robust radiation oncology and hematologic cancer care departments.
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru
Kidwai Cancer Institute, a regional cancer center recognized by the Government of India, is a flagship cancer hospital in South India offering free and affordable cancer treatment.
Why Kidwai Stands Out
- Provides free cancer care for patients below the poverty line.
- Runs Mahadevamma Mahadevaiah Cancer Foundation to fund treatments for the underprivileged.
- Offers radiation therapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy, and oncoplastic surgeries at minimal or no cost.
- Government and charitable tie-ups ensure that no patient is turned away for financial reasons.
- A large radiotherapy department with some of the best oncophysicists in the country.
Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram
Established in 1981, RCC Kerala is known for providing completely free cancer treatment to thousands of patients annually, particularly from Kerala and nearby states.
Specialty Services
- Supported by the Kerala government and Indian central health initiatives.
- Offers free chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and palliative care.
- Home to one of India’s largest radiotherapy centers, equipped with multiple linear accelerators.
- Runs various community outreach and cancer awareness programs.
- Offers nutritional support, psychological counseling, and accommodation for families.
Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai – A Beacon of Hope in South India
Founded by Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy in 1954, Adyar Cancer Institute is a premier non-profit institution delivering free and subsidized cancer care for over seven decades.
Top Features
- Nearly 70% of patients receive free treatment, thanks to state funding and donations.
- Highly specialized departments in gynecologic oncology, pediatric oncology, and pain management.
- Offers bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, and advanced surgical interventions.
- Well-known for its patient-friendly policies, including free meals and accommodation.
- Recognized as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Cancer Control.
State Cancer Institute, Guwahati – Northeast India’s Best Free Cancer Hospital
Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, now upgraded as the State Cancer Institute, is a government-affiliated institution delivering comprehensive and free cancer treatment in the Northeast region of India.
Why It Matters
- Offers cashless treatment under Ayushman Bharat and Atal Amrit Abhiyan.
- Free cancer diagnosis and therapy for economically backward patients from the entire northeastern belt.
- Fully equipped with modern radiology and surgical oncology infrastructure.
- Partnerships with Tata Memorial Centre to provide advanced care protocols.
Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Institute, Bikaner
As a tertiary cancer care center in Rajasthan, this institute is known for free treatment and innovative cancer outreach programs in rural areas.
Core Strengths
- Provides free chemotherapy, surgery, and follow-up care under national and state health schemes.
- Offers specialized services in cervical, breast, and oral cancers which are highly prevalent in rural India.
- Collaborates with Swasthya Bima Yojana and other state-sponsored insurance schemes.
- Actively engages in rural screening camps and early diagnosis initiatives.
Government Initiatives for Free Cancer Treatment in India
The Indian government plays a crucial role in ensuring accessible cancer treatment through comprehensive schemes.
Major Cancer Treatment Schemes
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Offers free treatment up to ₹5 lakhs per family annually.
- Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund: Offers financial aid for cancer patients below the poverty line.
- Chief Minister Relief Funds: State-level funds to assist cancer patients with medication and surgical costs.
- Indian Red Cross Society and NGOs: Work with hospitals to sponsor medications and patient transport.
Essential Documents Required for Free Cancer Treatment
To avail of free cancer care in these hospitals, patients typically need:
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) Card
- Ration Card or Income Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Ayushman Bharat e-card (where applicable)
- Medical reports and referral letters (if any)
Hospitals usually have dedicated social work departments to guide patients through the documentation and eligibility checks.
Conclusion
In 2025, India’s cancer hospitals offering free treatment continue to demonstrate excellence in both medical care and compassionate service. With strong government backing, philanthropic support, and a dedicated medical workforce, these institutions ensure that no cancer patient is denied treatment due to financial limitations. Whether you’re in the heart of Mumbai or the remote corners of the Northeast, access to free, high-quality cancer care is not a dream—it’s a living reality.