Oncare, a healthcare startup, has secured $1 million in seed funding led by Huddle Ventures. The funding aims to provide affordable cancer care across India by building accessible cancer care facilities in partnership with mid-sized hospitals. The startup plans to reduce cancer treatment costs by up to 40% by utilizing existing hospital infrastructure more efficiently.
Co-founders Amar Sneh and Deepak Kumar see Oncare as a game-changer in India’s healthcare sector, making cancer treatment more accessible and cost-effective for millions of patients. Sneh said, “With this funding, we are poised to make significant headway in reducing the financial burden of cancer treatment. We aim to provide high-quality care at a fraction of the current costs.”
Oncare will use the funds to expand its network of partner hospitals, invest in technology for better treatment outcomes, and streamline the cancer care process.
Affordable cancer care expansion
The startup has been operational in South Delhi for the past 10 months, providing over 2,500 patients with guidance on treatment plans and completing over 500 treatment sessions. According to Apollo Hospitals’ annual Health of Nation report, India’s cancer burden is significant, with yearly cases expected to rise from 1.39 million in 2020 to 1.57 million by 2025.
High treatment costs, limited availability of oncology centers, and a shortage of specialized professionals make cancer care inaccessible to millions. Oncare’s mission is to address these challenges by providing more affordable and accessible cancer care solutions across India. The startup partners with 50-100 bedded hospitals to create dedicated oncology wings, reducing treatment costs by up to 40% compared to typically expensive treatments in corporate hospitals that can exceed Rs 10 lakh.
Oncare also provides on-call nursing support to assist patients in managing side effects and anxiety associated with cancer therapies, reducing the need for unnecessary hospital visits. As the healthcare landscape in India faces numerous challenges, initiatives like Oncare bring renewed hope for affordable and accessible treatment options, addressing a dire need in the fight against cancer.
