Cancer is a disease which is still giving a major challenge to medical science globally in terms of timely detection and complete cure. Also, treatment for cancer costs a bomb. To help fund the treatment of cancer including their counseling and adequate nutrition, to offer a better life to cancer patients, to spread awareness around unhealthy lifestyle practices and the need for regular check up and early detection, a lot of Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR initiatives are regularly undertaken in India.
World Cancer Day is observed globally on the 4th of February every year. The theme for this year’s World Cancer Day was “United by Unique”. This theme emphasized a people-centered approach to cancer care, placing individuals and their stories at the heart of the conversation. On this occasion, The CSR Journal takes a look into some of the top CSR initiatives undertaken for cancer patients in India in the last one year.
CSR of ICICI Bank for cancer care in Visakhapatnam
ICICI Bank, in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), has announced commencement of the construction of a new building at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. With a commitment of over ₹550 crore, the Bank is funding the construction of a state-of-the-art facility spanning nearly 3.9 lakh square feet, equipped with cutting-edge medical technology.
Once operational, the eight-storied new building– ICICI Foundation Block for Child and Blood Cancer—will serve 3,000 patients annually. Currently, HBCHRC, Visakhapatnam has a capacity of handling 6,200 patients annually.
Designed as one of the largest specialised cancer facilities in Eastern India, the new building will house over 215 beds. It is expected to be completed by 2027, subject to necessary approvals. ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, the CSR arm of ICICI Bank, will oversee its implementation.
Aahwahan Foundation’s “Protecting Women, Preventing Cervical Cancer”
The commitment of raising awareness and eradicating cervical cancer, Aahwahan Foundation has started an initiative, “Protecting Women, Preventing Cervical Cancer”, aimed at empowering women against the battle of cervical cancer.
According to a research conducted by India Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Related Cancers in 2021, every year 1,23,907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 77,348 die from the disease.
The situation of women and children in rural areas and the underprivileged section of society, remains most affected due to lack of proper treatment, facilities, financial aid, etc.
Through this initiative, the foundation provides free HPV vaccinations to thousands of women and children in rural and financially disadvantaged communities who face barriers to accessing healthcare facilities. It is not just a vaccination drive; it is a symbol of empowerment, a statement that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to life-saving healthcare.
Aahwahan Foundation has come forward to address the need to provide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination to the underprivileged. The vaccination, priced at Rs.12, 000 approx. is being provided free of charge by the organization to young girls in schools and colleges.
The Initiative CERVIVOUR aims to vaccinate 500,000 females by 2030, with significant progress already made in Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala. Through collaboration with the government and medical experts, the program conducts baseline studies, identifies target schools and colleges, raises awareness through group counselling sessions, and implements tailored projects, followed by continuous monitoring and follow-up to ensure sustained impact.