The Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) has announced plans to expand its operations across the National Capital Region (NCR) to provide quality cancer treatment to more people. Celebrating its 28th anniversary under the theme "Beyond Excellence," the institute reaffirmed its commitment to compassionate care, advanced medical research, and innovation in oncology.
In his keynote address, RGCIRC Chairman Rakesh Chopra reflected on the institute’s nearly three-decade journey. “For close to 30 years, RGCIRC has excelled in cancer research, patient care, and community service. Our success is rooted in a strong value system that sets us apart from other hospitals. We are dedicated to alleviating human suffering through modern cancer treatments, and the positive feedback from our patients indicates a growing need for us to serve more people. That’s why we are considering expansion,” he said.
Mr Chopra revealed that RGCIRC is exploring new locations within NCR for future hospitals, in addition to its existing facilities in Rohini and Niti Bagh. “We have already engaged a large firm to facilitate this expansion, which will be done in phases, ensuring our core values are instilled in every new hospital. Construction in Niti Bagh is progressing rapidly, and we expect the hospital to be ready within two years. After that, we’ll move forward with the next location,” he added.
Highlighting the institute’s charitable efforts, CEO DS Negi noted that RGCIRC’s mission is to ensure that no patient is denied cancer treatment due to financial constraints. "Last year, we spent Rs 59 crore on philanthropic activities, and the number of donors is growing every year. Over the past decade, we’ve conducted over 1,20,000 free screenings, identifying 5-6per cent of participants at the pre-cancer stage. Our proactive approach has saved over 2,000 lives. Last year alone, we reached 24,000 screenings, focusing on vulnerable communities, including slum dwellers, who receive free treatment and support from us," Mr. Negi said.As part of the celebration, RGCIRC unveiled a new logo to symbolise its evolution and ongoing commitment to oncology advancements. Mr. Chopra explained, “Our previous logo was created 28 years ago. Since then, we’ve achieved many milestones in cancer care. While we’ve always focused on patient care, the growing importance of digital communication means our brand identity needs to better reflect our values of empathy, excellence, and ethics. The new logo represents our mission to lead in cancer treatment, research, and patient care, while staying true to the values that have guided us for almost three decades.”
Dr Sudhir Kumar Rawal, Medical Director and Chief of Genito-Uro-Oncology Services, offered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the institute’s partners, volunteers, researchers, and staff. "RGCIRC has gained international recognition thanks to the relentless efforts of our doctors, nurses, and support teams. As we move forward, we must continue to push beyond excellence and remain at the forefront of cancer care innovation," Dr. Rawal said.
The celebration concluded with cultural performances and an awards ceremony, emphasising the sense of community that has grown within RGCIRC. As the institute enters its 29th year, it remains dedicated to serving the community and advancing cancer care in India.