Everhope Oncology gets $10 million to launch cancer care centers in Delhi, Mumbai

Everhope Oncology, a joint venture formed by Narayana Health, W Health Ventures, and 2070 Health, has announced it has raised $10 million in seed funding to set up medical and surgical cancer care facilities in Delhi and Mumbai. 

The venture aims to expand to 10 cities over the next three years, offering comprehensive cancer treatment and support services in comfortable, dedicated spaces outside large hospital environments.

Addressing India's growing cancer burden

According to Everhope Oncology, cancer cases in India are on the rise, with more than 8 million Indians currently living with the disease. Projections suggest that one in nine people will develop cancer in their lifetime.

As the number of patients increases, experts warn that India will need an estimated 40,000 additional chemotherapy and surgical beds in the coming years.

However, the country faces a severe shortage of oncologists—just one for every 2,000 cancer patients, compared to one per 100 in the United States—causing overworked doctors and lengthy patient wait times.

Cancer stigma also remains a significant hurdle. Many patients avoid screening or turn to unproven therapies due to fears of painful treatments and crowded hospital wards. This delays diagnosis and often leads to more advanced stages of cancer, which can increase mortality rates, it said.

New facilities to improve patient experience

Everhope Oncology said its newly planned centres are designed to combat these challenges. They aim to create a soothing, infection-free environment where wait times are minimized and patient comfort is prioritized. 

The facilities will provide chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and palliative care, while a clinical board of experienced oncologists—working closely with Narayana Health—will implement globally validated protocols to ensure high-quality outcomes.

In addition, Everhope will offer a round-the-clock concierge service to guide patients between treatment sessions, as well as mental health counselling, nutritional consultations, and pain management. These supportive measures are meant to reduce anxiety, encourage timely screenings, and shift common misconceptions about the cancer care experience.

Leadership comments

Viren Shetty, vice chairman of Narayana Health, said, "Most people visualize cancer treatment as thin and frail patients stuck with hundreds of tubes, walking from one crowded hospital room to another."

"We want to change those perceptions. Globally, most cancer therapies are carried out in dedicated centres where patients feel supported, comfortable, and free from the anxiety of crowds. With Everhope, we plan to offer that same experience close to people's homes," Shetty added.

Pankaj Jethwani, managing partner at W Health Ventures, emphasized that rapid innovation in cancer care worldwide has led to daycare chemotherapy centres, advanced diagnostics for early detection, and new breakthroughs like CAR-T therapy.

"With Everhope, we aim to drive oncology innovation in India by working alongside entrepreneurial oncologists who are eager to become business owners," he said.