Cancer cases are rising rapidly across India, creating a growing demand for advanced oncology care. Kolkata, being the healthcare hub of Eastern India, now offers world-class cancer treatment through both private hospitals and government-run cancer care centers. From multi-specialty super hospitals to dedicated cancer institutes, patients can access everything from affordable chemotherapy to cutting-edge radiation and surgery.
In this post, you’ll find a list of the top 10 cancer hospitals in Kolkata (2025), the best government cancer hospitals, free cancer treatment options, and an overview of Tata Medical Center’s cancer treatment cost.
Why Choose Kolkata for Cancer Treatment?
Kolkata has emerged as a leading destination for cancer care in Eastern India, drawing patients not only from West Bengal but also from Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and the North-East states.
Reasons to choose Kolkata for cancer treatment:
- Dedicated cancer super-specialty hospitals like Tata Medical Center and Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre.
- Affordability compared to metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
- Accessibility with multiple government schemes for free/subsidized cancer treatment.
- Presence of advanced technologies such as linear accelerator-based radiotherapy, robotic surgery, and bone marrow transplant units.
Top 10 Cancer Hospitals in Kolkata (2025)
- Tata Medical Center, Rajarhat – Among the best overall cancer hospitals; affordable despite world-class standards with strong focus on research and treatment.
- Apollo Gleneagles Cancer Institute – Premium private cancer center with international protocols.
- AMRI Hospitals (Dhakuria & Mukundapur) – Advanced oncology unit with surgical, medical, and radiation options.
- Fortis Hospital, Anandapur – International-standard cancer care with modern technology.
- Medica Superspecialty Hospital – Best known for precision radiotherapy and critical care facilities.
- Ruby General Hospital – Affordable private hospital with growing oncology department.
- Peerless Hospital & B.K. Roy Research Center – Popular for compassionate oncology care at moderate cost.
- Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute (Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital) – One of Kolkata’s oldest cancer hospitals; trusted for subsidized cancer treatment.
- Nil Ratan Sircar (NRS) Medical College & Hospital – Government medical college hospital with oncology facilities.
- Swasthya Bhavan Cancer Care Centres – West Bengal Government initiatives focusing on affordable and decentralized cancer treatment.
Best Government Cancer Hospitals in Kolkata
For patients seeking affordable or free treatment, the following institutions stand out:
- Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute (Thakurpukur)
- NRS Medical College & Hospital
- Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial (SSKM) Hospital
- Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Rajarhat & Hazra Road campus
- Nil Ratan Sircar Hospital (NRS)
Free Cancer Treatment in Kolkata – Where to Go?
Kolkata offers several free and subsidized cancer treatment options through government institutions and charitable trusts:
- Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) – A central & state government joint initiative where treatment for poor patients is often free or subsidized.
- Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre (Thakurpukur) – Noted for free and low-cost treatment under charitable schemes.
- Tata Medical Center – Offers subsidized treatment for financially weaker patients.
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) – Provides free cancer care in empaneled hospitals.
- Local NGOs and charity trusts also support free medicines and financial aid.
Tata Cancer Hospital Kolkata – Treatment Cost & Facilitie
Tata Medical Center, Rajarhat is considered one of the best cancer hospitals in India, combining affordability with international standards in oncology.
Facilities offered:
- Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Immunotherapy, Bone Marrow Transplant, Surgical Oncology, Palliative Care.
- State-of-the-art linear accelerator radiotherapy, robotic surgery, and research-based treatment protocols.
Treatment Cost:
- General ward & subsidized treatment for poor patients: significantly cheaper than private hospitals.
- Private/single deluxe rooms: Higher costs similar to premium hospitals.
- Average chemotherapy cycle: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000, depending on drugs.
- Major surgery: ₹1.5 – ₹5 lakhs (subsidized for patients under schemes).
Private vs Government Cancer Hospitals – Which One to Choose?
- Private hospitals: Faster admission, luxury amenities, advanced medical equipment, personalized care. Best for patients with insurance or higher budget.
- Government hospitals: Subsidized or free treatment, accessibility, charitable support. Best for patients with financial constraints.
Choice depends on budget, urgency, and type of cancer treatment required.
FAQs
Which is the best cancer hospital in Kolkata?
Tata Medical Center (Rajarhat) is considered the best overall.
Is there free cancer treatment in Kolkata?
Yes, government hospitals like CNCI and Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre offer free/subsidized treatment under various schemes.
What is the treatment cost at Tata Medical Center Kolkata?
Basic chemotherapy cycles start around ₹10,000, while complex surgeries may cost several lakhs. Poor patients receive subsidies.
Which is the no.1 cancer hospital in India?
Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai) is widely regarded as the top cancer hospital in India.
What are the best hospitals for cancer in Bangalore, UK, and India?
- Bangalore: Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital.
- UK: The Royal Marsden Hospital.
- India: Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai) & AIIMS (Delhi).
Which are the top 5 cancer hospitals in Kolkata?
- Tata Medical Center
- Apollo Gleneagles Cancer Institute
- CNCI (Rajarhat & Hazra Road)
- Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre
- Fortis Hospital
Conclusion
Kolkata is today one of the leading hubs for cancer treatment in Eastern India, offering both world-class private hospitals and affordable/free government cancer hospitals. While Tata Medical Center remains the most reputed option, patients should also consider Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre, CNCI, and leading private hospitals based on their needs and budget.
Cancer patients and families should consult oncologists, explore government healthcare schemes, and choose the hospital that ensures the best balance of clinical excellence and financial comfort.
