Important: This page is for general information only and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you or someone you care for has symptoms that worry you, please see a doctor. The information here will help you find the right hospital and navigate the system — it does not replace a medical consultation.
Where to go for cancer care in Bihar
Bihar has a growing network of cancer care facilities. The main options are government hospitals (where treatment is subsidised or free for eligible patients) and NABH-accredited private hospitals (where quality standards are externally certified but costs are higher). For most patients, especially those on PM-JAY or low income, the government hospitals are the recommended first stop.
Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre (MCSRC), Patna — Bihar’s dedicated cancer centre
Mahavir Cancer Sansthan (MCSRC) is Bihar’s only dedicated super-specialty cancer hospital and the largest in eastern India. It is a 618-bed facility run by the Mahavir Mandir Trust in Phulwarisharif, Patna. For most Bihar patients, this is the recommended first stop for cancer care.
- Location: Phulwarisharif, Patna-801505
- Phone: +91-612-2250127 / 2253956 / 3222583
- Services: Surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, radiology, pathology, palliative care
- Equipment: Linear accelerators, HDR brachytherapy, IMRT, IGRT, advanced operation theatres, ICU, blood bank
- Cost: Low cost / subsidised. Pediatric cancer patients are treated free. Low-income adult patients receive a Rs 10,000 grant from the Mahavir Mandir Trust
- PM-JAY: Empanelled — cashless treatment available
- Accreditation: NABH Recommended (Entry Level, January 2024)
- Getting there: About 7 km from Patna Junction railway station, 13 km from the city bus stand, and 5 km from Patna airport. Autos and taxis are available
- Accommodation: Affordable dharmashala (guest lodging) near the hospital for outstation patients and family members
AIIMS Patna — Premier government institute
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Patna is a central government tertiary-care hospital with a developing oncology department.
- Location: Phulwarisharif, Patna-801507 (near Mahavir Cancer Sansthan)
- Phone: +91-612-2451070
- Services: Radiation oncology (modern linear accelerator and brachytherapy unit), surgical oncology, medical oncology, specialized clinics for head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and pediatric oncology
- Key strength: Multi-disciplinary tumor board, free cancer screening camps
- Cost: Very low cost (heavily subsidised government care)
- PM-JAY: Empanelled — cashless treatment available
- How to register: Through the AIIMS ORS portal (ors.gov.in) online, or at hospital reception. OPD is in the Basement, LGB block
IGIMS (State Cancer Institute), Patna — Designated regional cancer centre
Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Sheikhpura, Patna is a state government hospital that houses the State Cancer Institute.
- Location: Sheikhpura, Patna-800014
- Phone: 0612-2297631 / 0612-2297099
- Services: Dedicated oncology department with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical services, and diagnostic facilities
- Cost: Highly subsidised or free for low-income patients. OPD registration fee is approximately Rs 50
- PM-JAY: Empanelled — cashless treatment available
- OPD hours: Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:30pm, Saturday until noon
- How to register: Online via the IGIMS app/website, or at the registration counter with a government ID and any medical records
Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Muzaffarpur — North Bihar’s regional centre
For patients in North Bihar, the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital in Muzaffarpur is a Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) unit, offering comprehensive cancer care closer to home.
- Location: Srikrishnanagar, Muzaffarpur, Bihar (approximately 80 km north of Patna)
- Services: Surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology, palliative care
- PM-JAY: Empanelled — cashless treatment available
- Getting there: Regular trains and buses from Patna Junction to Muzaffarpur
- Note: For patients from Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Champaran, or other North Bihar districts, this hospital reduces the need to travel to Patna for most cancer treatments.
What each hospital offers
The table below gives a quick comparison of the main government and NABH-accredited private hospitals in Bihar. For PM-JAY patients, government hospitals are the recommended starting point because they are fully empanelled for cashless treatment.
| Hospital | Surgery | Chemo | Radiation | Cost tier | PM-JAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahavir Cancer Sansthan (MCSRC), Patna | Yes | Yes | Yes (LINAC, IMRT, HDR) | Government / Trust — low cost | Fully empanelled |
| AIIMS Patna | Yes | Yes | Yes (LINAC, brachytherapy) | Government — very low cost | Fully empanelled |
| IGIMS (State Cancer Institute), Patna | Yes | Yes | Yes | Government — subsidised | Fully empanelled |
| Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Muzaffarpur | Yes | Yes | Yes | Government — low cost | Fully empanelled |
| Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna | Yes | Yes | Yes (PET-CT, LINAC, BMT) | Private — higher cost | Select packages |
| Jay Prabha Medanta, Patna | Yes (robotic) | Yes | Yes (Varian Edge) | Private — higher cost | Select packages |
| Ruban Memorial Hospital, Patna | Yes (robotic) | Yes | Yes | Private — higher cost | Select packages |
| Buddha Cancer Centre, Patna | Yes | Yes | Yes | Private — higher cost | Check before admission |
Important note on costs: Government hospitals offer the same quality of cancer treatment at much lower cost than private hospitals. Private hospitals may have shorter waiting times, newer equipment, or specialist availability, but costs are substantially higher. If you are on PM-JAY, always start at a government hospital unless a specific private hospital is recommended by your doctor for a procedure not available at a government centre.
Getting a referral and appointment
You do not always need a referral to visit a government cancer hospital in Bihar, but having one from a district hospital doctor or a local doctor helps the cancer specialists understand your history quickly.
How to get a referral
- Visit your nearest district hospital or primary health centre if you have symptoms or a new lump. The doctor there can do initial tests and write a referral letter to Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, AIIMS Patna, or IGIMS.
- If you have already had a biopsy or scan report that suggests cancer, you can go directly to the OPD at any of the above hospitals — a formal referral is not mandatory.
- At AIIMS Patna, book an appointment through the AIIMS ORS portal (ors.gov.in) or register at the reception desk on the day.
- At MCSRC and IGIMS, walk-in OPD registration is available — arrive in the morning.
What to bring to your first visit
Bring as many of the following as you have — do not delay your visit if some documents are missing:
- Aadhaar card (or voter ID / passport)
- PM-JAY / Ayushman Bharat card or ABHA ID (if you have one)
- Any test reports already done — blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRI, biopsy report
- Previous prescriptions or discharge summaries
- Referral letter from your local doctor (if available)
- Income certificate or BPL card (for subsidised treatment)
- 2-3 passport-size photographs (for hospital registration)
- Water, snacks, and a folder to keep all papers organised — OPD waits can be long
What to expect at the first visit
- Register at the OPD desk and collect your registration token.
- The oncologist will take your history, examine you, and review any reports you bring.
- You will likely be asked to get additional tests — biopsy, imaging (CT/MRI), blood work — which are done within the hospital.
- Pathology reports can take 5–10 working days.
- Once reports are ready, return for a follow-up consultation to discuss diagnosis and treatment plan.
- If you are admitted for treatment, the hospital’s Medical Social Welfare desk will help you apply for PM-JAY, Mukhyamantri schemes, and other financial assistance.
PMJAY / Ayushman Bharat for cancer
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is India’s national health insurance scheme. It provides cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for hospitalization, including cancer treatment.
For cancer, PM-JAY covers: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostic procedures (biopsy, CT, MRI, PET scan for staging), and hospitalization.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on socio-economic criteria from the SECC 2011 database, targeting poor and vulnerable families. Since September 2024, all senior citizens aged 70 and above are also covered.
How to check your eligibility
- Call: 14555 (toll-free, PM-JAY helpline)
- Online: Visit mera.pmjay.gov.in with your Aadhaar or ration card number
- At the hospital: Visit the Ayushman Mitra desk at Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, AIIMS Patna, or IGIMS — the staff there will verify your eligibility and help generate your e-card on the spot
- At a CSC: Common Service Centres in your block or panchayat can also verify eligibility and generate cards
How to use PM-JAY at the hospital
- Present your PM-JAY e-card or Aadhaar at the hospital’s Ayushman counter before or at the time of admission.
- The hospital staff will raise a pre-authorization request for your treatment — this is the hospital’s responsibility, not yours.
- Treatment proceeds cashlessly for covered procedures up to the package rate.
- You should not be asked to pay out of pocket for covered procedures. If a hospital refuses or asks you to pay despite being empanelled, call 14555 immediately.
Check eligibility early
Check PM-JAY eligibility at the time of diagnosis — before treatment starts. Getting your e-card takes time, and pre-authorization is needed before treatment begins. Do not wait until the day of surgery or chemo.
Financial assistance and NGOs
Cancer treatment can still cost money beyond PM-JAY limits, especially for medicines, travel, and accommodation. Multiple sources of help are available — apply to all that you are eligible for, as they can be used together.
Bihar state schemes
- Mukhyamantri Chikitsa Sahayata Yojana (Chief Minister’s Treatment Assistance Scheme): Provides financial assistance up to Rs 1,00,000 for cancer treatment. Apply through the District Magistrate’s office.
- State Illness Assistance Fund: Additional financial aid for BPL families at government hospitals. Apply through the hospital’s Medical Social Welfare desk.
Central government schemes
- Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN): Financial assistance for BPL patients treated at government super-specialty hospitals. Covers up to Rs 15,00,000. Apply through the hospital Medical Social Worker.
- Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG): Up to Rs 1,50,000 per case for treatment at government hospitals.
- Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF): Apply at pmnrf.gov.in or through the hospital social worker.
Mahavir Mandir Trust — direct assistance at MCSRC
At Mahavir Cancer Sansthan specifically:
- Pediatric patients (children with cancer) are treated free of charge.
- Poor adult patients receive a Rs 10,000 grant from the Mahavir Mandir Trust.
- Ask the hospital’s Medical Social Welfare desk for details on applying.
National NGOs that help Bihar patients
- Indian Cancer Society — Financial aid for low-income patients, cancer information, emotional support. Helpline: 1800-22-1951 (toll-free, 24/7)
- Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) — Financial aid for treatment, free diagnostic camps. Contact: 022-24122413
- Tata Trusts Cancer Care Programme — Support through the Tata Memorial Centre network, which includes Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Varanasi
- Jiv Daya Foundation— Provides support to patients at Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna.
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras — Government generic medicine stores offering cancer medicines at 50–90% lower prices than branded versions. Ask hospital pharmacy or check janaushadhi.gov.in for the nearest store.
Practical tip: hospital social worker
At every government cancer hospital in Bihar (MCSRC, AIIMS Patna, IGIMS), there is a Medical Social Welfare desk. This is your single best resource for navigating financial assistance. The social worker knows all the current schemes, will help you apply, and can connect you with NGOs and support groups. Ask to meet the social worker on your first visit — do not wait until you face a financial problem.
Helplines
| Helpline | Number | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| PM-JAY (Ayushman Bharat) | 14555 | Eligibility check, empanelled hospitals, grievances |
| Indian Cancer Society | 1800-22-1951 | Cancer information, financial aid, emotional support (24/7, toll-free) |
| Tata Memorial Hospital | 022-2417-7000 | Appointments, treatment info, referrals |
| Cancer Patients Aid Association | 022-24122413 | Financial aid, diagnostic camps |
| Ambulance (Bihar) | 108 | Free ambulance for any medical emergency |
| Pregnant women / newborn | 102 | Free transport for maternity emergencies in Bihar |
| National Emergency | 112 | Police, fire, ambulance |
| Mental health support | 9999-666-555 | Vandrevala Foundation, 24/7 |
Questions to ask before choosing a hospital
Before deciding where to go for cancer care, ask these questions — either of the hospital’s helpline, the Ayushman Mitra desk, or a doctor you trust:
- Is this hospital fully empanelled for PM-JAY? (Government hospitals are fully empanelled; private hospitals may only accept PM-JAY for select packages.)
- Does this hospital have the specialists I need? (For example, a radiation oncologist for radiotherapy, a surgical oncologist for surgery, or a pediatric oncologist for a child.)
- Does this hospital have the equipment my treatment requires? (For example, a linear accelerator for radiation, PET-CT for staging, or a bone marrow transplant unit.)
- What is the approximate cost of my treatment at this hospital? Ask for a written estimate before committing.
- Is there a Medical Social Welfare desk to help with financial assistance applications?
- How long is the typical wait for a first OPD appointment and for starting treatment?
- If I need to travel from outside Patna, is there affordable accommodation nearby for me and my family?
- If my treatment is not available here, which hospital will I be referred to, and will the referral be covered under PM-JAY?
When urgent care is needed
Some symptoms need emergency care — do not wait for an OPD appointment. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, or call 108 for an ambulance, if you or your family member has any of the following:
- Sudden, severe pain in the abdomen, chest, or bones that is rapidly worsening
- Heavy bleeding from any site that does not stop — including coughing up blood, blood in stools, or heavy vaginal bleeding
- Difficulty breathing or a feeling that air is not reaching you
- High fever (38°C / 100.4°F or above) during chemotherapy — this is a medical emergency called febrile neutropenia and requires immediate treatment
- Loss of consciousness, sudden confusion, or inability to speak or move a limb
- Severe allergic reaction — sudden swelling of the face or throat, full-body rash, difficulty swallowing — within hours of a new treatment or medicine
- Complete inability to pass urine or stools, combined with vomiting and a hard, swollen abdomen (possible bowel or urinary obstruction)
- Sudden vision changes or severe headache in a patient on targeted therapy or immunotherapy
In Bihar, dial 108 for free ambulance service for any critical emergency. If a pregnant woman or newborn is involved, dial 102. Give the dispatcher your exact location, the patient’s name and age, and a brief description of the emergency. Stay on the line until they confirm help is on the way.
For non-urgent questions — such as understanding a diagnosis, finding financial help, or getting a second opinion — call the Indian Cancer Society helpline at 1800-22-1951 (toll-free, 24/7).
