Free Cancer Screening Program Launched for Underprivileged Women in Shirdi

With a view to promote preventive healthcare for underprivileged women in rural Maharashtra, the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. Mane Medical Foundation & Research Centre, a reputed Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The partnership marks the launch of a comprehensive cancer screening and awareness program, offered entirely free of cost, in Shirdi and other districts of Maharashtra.

This grassroots initiative aims to screen 10,000 ultra-poor women for cervical and breast cancer by December 2025. The first screening camp was held on June 8 at Rahuri, 60 kms from Shirdi, where nearly 350 women were screened.

Focused on early detection and timely intervention, the program addresses a critical gap in access to preventive healthcare for marginalised groups who often go undiagnosed due to financial and geographical barriers.

Dr. Mane Medical Foundation will lead on-ground implementation, supported by community outreach efforts. All women will undergo Pap Smear and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), and where needed, additional health checks including Haemoglobin, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol tests.

Speaking on the initiative, Namrata Hinduja, Member, Steering Committee of Hinduja Foundation, said, “Empowering women through health is the foundation of building stronger communities. This initiative reaffirms our unwavering commitment to closing critical healthcare gaps and ensuring that no woman is denied care because of her economic circumstances.”

Paul Abraham, President of Hinduja Foundation, said, “Cancer has emerged as the fastest-growing health concern in India, with over 1.7 million new cases reported in 2025. Projections indicate that this number could rise to 2.5 million by 2030. Early detection through screening is key to managing costs and survival chances. This initiative is not just about early detection & treatment, but also about education, empowerment, and building a culture of preventive care. We are committed to creating a lasting impact in communities that need it the most.”

Women with positive findings will receive free-of-cost treatment at Dr. Mane’s Charitable Cancer Hospital in Rahuri, Shirdi. The program also includes training for community health workers to build long-term healthcare capacity in local areas.

Supported by Reliance Life Insurance, the initiative is currently being implemented in Shirdi and is planned to expand to other cancer hotbeds such as Osmanabad and Ahilyanagar districts in the near future.

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