A new joint venture between Narayana Health, W Health Ventures, and 2070 Health has launched Everhope Oncology with $10 million in seed funding to revolutionize cancer care delivery in India. The initiative aims to establish specialized medical and surgical cancer care facilities in Delhi and Mumbai initially, with ambitious plans to expand to 10 cities over the next three years.
The venture comes at a critical time as India faces a growing cancer crisis. An estimated 8 million Indians currently live with cancer, and projections indicate that one in nine Indians will develop the disease in their lifetime. The country witnesses approximately 1.3 to 1.5 million new cancer cases annually, though experts suggest actual numbers may be higher due to underreporting.
Addressing Critical Gaps in India's Cancer Care Infrastructure
India's healthcare system is struggling to keep pace with the rising cancer burden. The country faces a severe shortage of oncologists, with just one specialist for every 2,000 cancer patients—compared to one per 100 in the United States. This disparity results in limited time per patient, increased patient anxiety, and physician burnout.
Over 60% of cancer cases in India are detected at advanced stages, significantly reducing survival rates. This late detection is attributed to multiple factors including inadequate screening programs, low awareness, social stigma, and fear of diagnosis.
Viren Shetty, Vice Chairman of Narayana Health, highlighted the perception problem surrounding cancer treatment: "Most people visualize cancer treatment as thin and frail people stuck with hundreds of tubes walking from one crowded hospital room to another. This is why most of us avoid cancer screening and seek out non-scientific treatment options."
A Patient-Centric Approach to Cancer Care
Everhope Oncology aims to transform this experience by establishing dedicated chemotherapy facilities and specialized surgical centers that offer a modern, comfortable, and infection-free environment. The centers will provide comprehensive cancer treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and palliative care.
"Globally, most cancer therapies are conducted in comfortable, dedicated spaces in retail locations far away from hospitals," Shetty explained. "With Everhope, we aim to provide patients with best-in-class onco therapies in comfortable suites close to their homes, where they can get treated in a crowd-free environment and go about the rest of their day."
The initiative promises to ensure personalized attention, minimal wait times, and an enhanced patient experience. A clinical board comprising experienced oncologists, working closely with Narayana Health, will implement comprehensive globally validated protocols to ensure best-in-class clinical outcomes.
Holistic Care Beyond Medical Treatment
Beyond medical interventions, Everhope will provide holistic care services including mental health counseling, nutritional consultations, and pain management. A 24/7 care concierge service will support patients between treatment sessions, providing guidance and assistance throughout their cancer journey.
Dr. Pankaj Jethwani, Managing Partner at W Health Ventures, emphasized the innovative approach: "Globally, cancer care has seen remarkable innovation—from daycare chemotherapy infusion centres to advanced diagnostics for early detection and breakthrough therapies like CAR-T. With Everhope, we aim to drive oncology innovation in India, working alongside entrepreneurial oncologists across the country who are eager to become business owners."
Addressing Regional Disparities in Cancer Care
Access to cancer care varies widely across different regions of India. While cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai have some of the country's best cancer hospitals, these institutions often struggle with overcrowding. Rural and northern states lack specialized cancer centers, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment, with the northeastern region particularly affected.
Everhope's expansion plans to 10 cities over the next three years could help address some of these regional disparities, bringing specialized cancer care closer to patients who currently need to travel long distances for treatment.
The initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing India's cancer care challenges, combining the medical expertise of Narayana Health with the innovation focus of W Health Ventures and 2070 Health, India's first healthcare-focused venture studio. As cancer incidence continues to rise in India, Everhope's patient-centric approach could serve as a model for improving cancer care delivery across the country.
