Facility at Haffkine Campus in Parel to make world-class, affordable cancer treatment accessible to all
An artist’s impression of what the facility would look like once completed
If things go as planned, by 2027, the Platinum Jubilee Block (PJB) at Tata Memorial Centre will rise as a symbol of hope, offering a lifeline to lakhs of people facing cancer. Spread across 11 lakh sq ft in the Haffkine Campus at Parel, this 17-storied tower is already taking shape, with construction reaching the 8th floor. Designed to address India’s growing cancer crisis, PJB will feature five specialised disease management groups — Neuro, Head & Neck, Gastrointestinal, Thoracic, and Bone & Soft Tissue Oncology — delivering personalised, world-class care.
The PJB represents more than an expansion of services; it is a promise fulfilled — a promise to those battling cancer, to their families, and to every person in India who deserves access to the best healthcare. It stands as a beacon of hope, a symbol of our collective strength, and a reminder that together, we can change the future of cancer care in India. In the end, this is not just about buildings or equipment; it’s about people. It’s about fighting for lives, for futures, for dreams.
Why expansion matters
In 2024, around 15.6 lakh new cancer diagnoses were made, and nearly 874,000 lives were lost to this relentless disease. By 2030, these numbers could rise to an overwhelming 22 lakh. This growing epidemic is putting immense pressure on our existing healthcare system, and the need for action has never been more urgent. The PJB at Tata Memorial Centre is not just an expansion. It’s a sanctuary for hope, a place where compassion meets cutting-edge science, and where millions of lives are about to change.
The Platinum Jubilee Block construction site at Parel. Pic/By Special Arrangement
“The need for cancer care is growing at an alarming rate, and the PJB is here to meet that challenge head-on. This is more than just a hospital. It’s a lifeline for those in need,” said Prof Dr Shailesh V Shrikhande, deputy director, Tata Memorial Hospital.
Vision of compassion
A singular vision drives this expansion… to ensure that every single patient, regardless of their background, receives the world-class cancer care they deserve. “The Platinum Jubilee Block (PJB) is not just a building; it is a statement of purpose,” says Dr Shrikhande.
His words reflect a deep commitment to making high-quality, affordable cancer treatment accessible to everyone, especially those who have long been underserved. “This new facility will house 20 state-of-the-art modular operating theatres, including one with intra-operative MRI, eight linear accelerators, and 100 dedicated chemotherapy beds. Alongside this, there will be five specialised disease management groups. “In the face of cancer, what matters most is the care we give. Every patient is not just a case, but a person with a story, a family, and dreams. This expansion is about giving them the best shot at a future,” said Dr Shrikhande.
A sustainable future
The PJB is a model for sustainable healthcare. The hospital is being constructed as a ‘zero discharge’ facility, which means it will conserve water through advanced recycling and reuse systems. Additionally, a two-step air filtration system will protect immunocompromised patients, ensuring their safety and well-being — something rarely seen in government hospitals.
“Sustainability is not just an afterthought; it’s at the heart of everything we’re building. A better future for cancer patients means creating a healthier world for all,” said GS Dhanoa, consultant (engineering), Tata Memorial Centre.
Transforming cancer care
In 2024 alone, Tata Memorial Hospital logged nearly 50,000 new patient registrations, in addition to over 30,000 patients visiting for cancer-related investigations and preventive screening. The hospital admitted 22,000 cases, and performed over 45,000 surgeries, besides handling up to 2 lakh daycare chemotherapy sessions, about 3 lakh imaging scans, 35,000 nuclear medicine procedures, and over 64 lakh lab investigations, explained Dr Shrikhande.
“Cancer doesn’t wait, and neither can we. Every day we delay, lives are at risk. The PJB is an answer to that delay —the future of cancer care in India,” he added.
Powered by philanthropy
The story of this expansion is also a story of generosity. The Tata Sons continues to lead this monumental effort, but it is joined by many other organisations, including BKT, JSW, Everest Foods, and UBS, who have made significant contributions through their CSR commitments. These contributions go far beyond just funding a building; they are about investing in the tools that will save lives — advanced medical equipment, chemotherapy programs, and patient nutrition initiatives.
“When we give, we don’t just build a hospital — we build hope. This expansion is a collective promise from all of us to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone,” said Dr Shrikande.
National benchmark
As the Tata Memorial Centre celebrates over 75 years of service to the nation, the PJB is a symbol of India’s determination to create a world-class healthcare system for all. Dr Shrikhande, who has been at the helm of this transformative project since 2017, envisions a facility that not only boosts capacity but also becomes a national benchmark for government-run cancer hospitals, blending affordability with excellence in treatment, research, and training.
“The PJB will set the standard for government hospitals across India. It will show that quality healthcare, driven by compassion and innovation, is not a privilege; it is a right,” Dr Shrikhande added.
Future full of hope
The campus, spanning 5 acres, is not just about buildings; it is about creating an environment where healing happens on every level. It will feature the under-construction Platinum Jubilee Block, alongside a ‘patient dharamshala’ and resident hostels for doctors and nurses. This campus will be a place where patients and caregivers find support, comfort, and community during some of life’s most trying times.
“This is not just a hospital, it’s a community. A place where every patient is treated with dignity, every family with care, and every doctor with respect,” the professor concluded.
Voices
Dr Shailesh V Shrikhande, deputy director, Tata Memorial Hospital
‘In the face of cancer, what matters most is the care we give. Every patient is not just a case, but a person with a story, a family, and dreams. This expansion is about giving them the best shot at a future’
GS Dhanoa, consultant (engineering), Tata Memorial Centre
‘Sustainability is not just an afterthought; it’s at the heart of everything we’re building. A better future for cancer patients means creating a healthier world for all’
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