GUNTUR, Andhra Pradesh, September 22, 2026 (Journalist File) — Andhra Pradesh is planning a major genetic analysis centre at the proposed Quantum Valley in Amaravati to investigate genetic factors behind rare diseases and strengthen genomic research, Health, Medical and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said Tuesday.
The minister was speaking after inaugurating a genome sequencing facility at the Natco Cancer Centre at Government General Hospital (GGH), Guntur. The new facility is currently being operated as a pilot project and is expected to support the state's plans to expand advanced genetic testing and research.
Satya Kumar said the proposed Amaravati facility would enable large-scale analysis of genetic data related to cancer and rare diseases. Genome sequencing would provide doctors with detailed information about genetic changes in cancer cells and help inform treatment decisions, he said.
2.65 crore people screened for cancer
The state government has made early detection a key component of its cancer-control programme, the minister said.
Free screening is being offered for oral, breast and cervical cancers. Of the state's target population of 4.27 crore, approximately 2.65 crore people have been screened so far, leading to the detection of about 7,500 new cancer cases, according to figures released by the minister.
Those identified as suspected cases are being referred for further diagnostic testing, while treatment pathways are being strengthened for patients diagnosed with cancer.
Satya Kumar said Andhra Pradesh records more than 70,000 new cancer cases every year, with as many as 40,000 deaths annually. Cancer accounts for 9.6 percent of deaths in the state, while new cancer cases increased by 39.5 percent between 2020 and 2025, he said. He urged residents to adopt healthier lifestyles and undergo periodic health examinations.
Four cancer centres upgraded in first phase
Four comprehensive cancer centres in Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Kurnool and Kadapa have been developed in the first phase at a cost of ₹311 crore, Satya Kumar said.
The government has sanctioned and filled 596 posts for doctors and other personnel at these centres. Advanced radiation equipment, brachytherapy facilities and CT simulators have been installed at Guntur, Visakhapatnam and Kurnool.
The second phase covers cancer centres in Kakinada and Anantapur, while another 11 medical college hospitals are planned to be developed as cancer centres during the third phase, he said.
Free genetic tests for selected cancer patients
The Guntur Natco Cancer Centre has been upgraded at an investment of ₹41 crore, with facilities including a linear accelerator, brachytherapy, CT simulator and advanced surgical equipment, the minister said.
A PET-CT facility costing ₹18 crore has also been installed, which he described as the first such facility established in a government medical institution in the state.
The genetic testing unit will provide free genetic and biomarker tests for breast and lung cancer patients. Such tests can cost up to ₹25,000 in private laboratories, according to the minister.
He said genome sequencing could help doctors identify mutations in cancer cells and use that information when selecting medicines and treatment strategies. The technology could also contribute to earlier identification of hereditary disease risks in families.
₹25 lakh cancer treatment cover
Cancer patients covered under the NTR Vaidya Seva programme can receive treatment worth up to ₹25 lakh at empanelled hospitals, Satya Kumar said.
According to figures cited by him, the state has spent approximately ₹1,500 crore on cancer treatment over the past two years. Between 2019 and 2024, expenditure on cancer treatment stood at about ₹2,200 crore, he said.
The minister said the government was attempting to ensure that financial constraints did not prevent economically vulnerable families from accessing cancer care, with services ranging from screening and diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Day-care chemotherapy centres have been established across 23 districts, reducing the need for patients to travel to major hospitals for every treatment session, he said.
Satya Kumar said the broader objective was to detect cancer early and improve access to treatment closer to patients' homes.
He also called on medical and nursing students to engage with emerging technologies and research, saying India should work toward developing advanced medical equipment domestically.
Professor Ramesh Babu felicitated
Professor Ramesh Babu, who supervises cancer services at the Directorate of Medical Education, was felicitated during the programme for his contribution to expanding cancer-care services.
Director of Medical Education Vishnuvardhan said the recognition acknowledged his work in strengthening cancer services. Health and Medical Welfare Secretary Veerapandian said the department was working to make cancer treatment more accessible across the state.
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Chakradhar Babu and representatives of organisations associated with the genetic analysis centre initiative also attended.
