RGCIRC (Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre) marked its 30th Foundation Day and Annual Day with a special celebration themed “Three Decades of Ethics, Empathy & Excellence in Cancer Care.” Held at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Rohini, the event brought together the Institute’s leadership, clinicians, employees and members of the wider RGCIRC community to reflect on three decades of service in cancer care.
Established in 1996, RGCIRC has grown over the years into one of India’s leading dedicated cancer care institutions, combining specialised clinical expertise, advanced technology, multidisciplinary care and research. The 30th Foundation Day offered an opportunity to look back at this journey while recognising the people and teams who have contributed to the Institute’s growth.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. D. S. Gangwar, CEO, RGCIRC, followed by an address by Mr. Ashok Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, RGCIRC. The leadership reflected on the Institute’s evolution over the past three decades and its continued commitment to delivering cancer care guided by its founding values of Ethics, Empathy and Excellence.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. D. S. Gangwar, CEO, RGCIRC, said, “Thirty years is an important milestone, and it reflects the trust that patients and families have placed in RGCIRC. For a patient, a cancer diagnosis brings fear, uncertainty and countless questions. When they walk through our doors, they are looking for more than treatment; they are looking for hope, reassurance and someone who cares. That is why our vision is a ‘Happy Hospital’. It does not mean a hospital without suffering. It means a hospital where no patient is abandoned and no caregiver is unsupported. Clinical excellence makes us a good hospital, but compassionate connection makes us a great one. Ethics, Empathy and Excellence are our foundation, and Hope, Healing and Happiness are how that foundation must be felt by every patient and every caregiver.
As we celebrated this milestone, we also took the opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication and contributions of our employees. Through awards and appreciations, we celebrated their efforts and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence”
This year, the Institute also added high dependency units, a new day care facility, a renovated paediatric ward and a renovated blood bank, and launched a ‘Cancer Awareness on Wheels’ bus to expand community outreach. Carrying forward the vision of its founders, RGCIRC continues to offer free diagnosis, treatment and follow-up to patients from economically weaker sections (EWS), with nutrition support at discharge. EWS OPD visits this year rose to 18,774, an increase of 83.6%, while EWS admissions grew by 27.8%.
A special segment titled “Three Decades of Ethics, Empathy & Excellence in Cancer Care” traced RGCIRC’s journey over the years and highlighted the milestones that have shaped its evolution. From strengthening specialised oncology services and adopting newer technologies to expanding multidisciplinary care, research and patient support, the session reflected on how the Institute has continued to evolve with changing needs in cancer care.
Mr. Ashok Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, RGCIRC, said, “No one facing cancer should face it alone. Thirty years ago, a world-class cancer care facility was a dream; today it stands before us as a 500-bed hospital. Yet we measure our success not in beds or buildings, but in lives touched, fears calmed and families given hope. Ethics means doing the right thing when no one is watching. Empathy means remembering that behind every patient there is a family. Excellence means making the best not just an act, but a habit. All three rest on one philosophy: patient first. Every decision and every policy begins with one question: is this good for our patient? We cannot promise every patient a cure, but we can promise every patient our care, our honesty and our presence.”
Mr. Agarwal highlighted three recent management initiatives: a dedicated team member to guide every new patient through their journey at the hospital, the monthly Happiness Champions award, and continuous patient feedback across the treatment journey. Together, he noted, they have created a positive atmosphere that brings hope to patients.
Sharing the Institute’s expansion roadmap, Mr. Agarwal announced that RGCIRC expects to begin operations at a 150-bed cancer hospital at Niti Bagh in 2027, while construction of a 650-bed cancer hospital at Greater Noida will begin next year. Together with the existing 500 beds at Rohini, this will make RGCIRC an integrated institution with a capacity of approximately 1,300 beds.
An important part of the evening was the Award Ceremony, which recognised individuals and teams for their contribution to the Institute and its mission. The segment celebrated commitment, service and excellence across functions, underlining the collective effort behind RGCIRC’s three-decade journey.
The programme also featured a cultural presentation, adding a celebratory dimension to the evening and bringing members of the RGCIRC community together beyond their professional roles.
Over the past 30 years, RGCIRC has continued to strengthen its capabilities across medical, surgical and radiation oncology, diagnostics, research and supportive care. Alongside clinical services, the Institute has placed emphasis on preventive oncology, patient welfare, survivorship, education and academic collaboration, reflecting an approach to cancer care that extends beyond treatment alone.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vineet Talwar, Medical Director, RGCIRC. Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Talwar said “This milestone reflects the collective contribution of the people who have built and strengthened RGCIRC over the years. From doctors and nurses to researchers, technicians, administrators and support teams, every individual has played a role in advancing our shared commitment to patients. As we move forward, our focus will remain on working together, continuously improving care and ensuring that every advancement in oncology translates into a better experience and better outcomes for our patients.”
As RGCIRC enters its fourth decade, the Institute aims to build on the foundation created over the past 30 years while continuing to strengthen specialised oncology care, research, technology adoption, patient support and medical education. Its journey remains anchored in the values that have defined the Institute since its inception – Ethics, Empathy and Excellence.