# India Needs Five-Year Policy for Affordable Precision Cancer Care

> Dr Bhawna Sirohi calls for a five-year policy to make genomic testing and targeted cancer therapies accessible to lower-income patients in India.
- Title: India Needs Five-Year Policy for Affordable Precision Cancer…
- Summary: Dr Bhawna Sirohi calls for a five-year policy to make genomic testing and targeted cancer therapies accessible to lower-income patients in India. India needs…
- Keywords: india, precision cancer care, genomic testing, targeted cancer therapies, lower-income patients, ayushman bharat, cancer research, chhattisgarh, cervical cancer elimination, Needs, Five-Year, Policy
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/india-needs-five-year-policy-to-make-precision-cancer-care-afforable-says-expert/articleshow/134500735.cms
- Author: PTI
- Published: 2026-09-26T08:48:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: india, precision cancer care, genomic testing, targeted cancer therapies, lower-income patients, ayushman bharat, cancer research, chhattisgarh, cervical cancer elimination
## Dr Bhawna Sirohi
Oncologist Dr Bhawna Sirohi calls for a five-year policy agenda to make genomic testing and precision cancer therapies accessible to lower-income patients in India.
## Precision Oncology Challenges
Precision oncology can transform cancer treatment but faces high costs, limited genomic testing access, and expensive drugs for lower-income patients.
## Lancet Commission Role
Dr Sirohi is the only Indian cancer specialist on the new Lancet Oncology Commission focused on precision cancer care in low-income countries.
## Lung Cancer Example
Lung cancer patients with specific EGFR mutations can use targeted tablets for years instead of chemotherapy, improving outcomes.
## Ayushman Bharat Limitations
Ayushman Bharat covers precision cancer treatments but newer drugs remain costly and inaccessible for most patients.
## DIAMOnDS Project
The DIAMOnDS project aims to strengthen molecular oncology diagnostics but focuses on lung and breast cancers with limited regional lab access.
## Cervical Cancer Program
Dr Sirohi launched a cervical cancer elimination program with Chhattisgarh state government for HPV vaccination and screening to meet WHO 2030 goals.
## Key takeaway

India needs a five-year policy agenda to make precision cancer care affordable for lower-income patients through integrated genomic testing and targeted therapies.