HNCII Mazgaon Launches Free Cancer Consultations For Economically Weaker Sections
The Head & Neck Cancer Institute of India (HNCII) has launched a permanent initiative providing free surgical oncology consultations for individuals from economically weaker sections (EWS) at its hospital in Mazgaon, south Mumbai.
The program, which came into effect on July 1, 2026, aims to eliminate financial barriers that often delay cancer diagnosis and treatment for underserved communities.
Under this new initiative, eligible patients can access free consultations with the institute's surgical oncology specialists. The service is available on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Patients will not have to pay any consultation fees during these hours.
The initiative is designed to encourage patients from underserved backgrounds to seek timely specialist evaluation. This is particularly crucial for suspected head and neck cancers, where early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes. According to healthcare experts, many patients postpone medical consultations due to financial constraints, a lack of awareness, or delayed screening, which often results in advanced-stage diagnoses that require more complex treatment.
Dr. Sultan Pradhan, Chairman and Senior Surgical Oncologist at the Head & Neck Cancer Institute of India, emphasized the importance of removing financial hurdles to medical care.
"Every patient deserves access to timely expert medical advice, irrespective of financial circumstances," Dr. Pradhan said. "Through this permanent initiative, we hope to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent patients from seeking specialist consultation. Early evaluation can play a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes."
Established under the CanCare Trust, HNCII was commissioned in August 2023 as a 100-bed super-speciality hospital in Mazgaon, dedicated exclusively to head and neck oncology. The institute provides comprehensive cancer care under one roof, including surgical oncology, chemotherapy, radiation oncology, diagnostics, rehabilitation, wellness services, and palliative care.
The institute specializes in the treatment of cancers affecting the oral cavity, thyroid, tongue, larynx, skull base, brain, and spine, with a strong focus on preventive oncology and early detection.
