When it comes to cancer treatment in India, Kolkata has carved a niche for itself by housing one of the most reputed government cancer hospitals in the country – the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI). Established in 1950, CNCI has been at the forefront of oncology research, patient care, and awareness for decades. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of patients not only from West Bengal but across India and neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed overview of CNCI, including its history, facilities, OPD timings, departments, doctor details, and why it continues to be a top choice for cancer treatment in Eastern India.

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🏥 About CNCI – History and Legacy

The institute was founded as Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital (CCH) in 1950, named after freedom fighter Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, whose widow donated the land for the establishment of the hospital. Later, with growing demand and expansion of research facilities, it was upgraded to Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) in 2010.

In January 2022, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated a new state-of-the-art campus of CNCI at Rajarhat, New Town, which has greatly enhanced the hospital’s infrastructure and patient capacity. Now, CNCI operates through two campuses:

• CNCI Campus 1 (Hazra, Kolkata): The original hospital focusing on oncology research, preventive oncology, and outpatient services.

• CNCI Campus 2 (Rajarhat, New Town): A 460-bed ultramodern hospital with advanced cancer care facilities, diagnostics, and in-patient treatment.

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🌟 Why CNCI is Special

1. Exclusive Cancer Care: Unlike general hospitals, CNCI is dedicated entirely to cancer treatment, research, and prevention.

2. Affordable Treatment: Being a government hospital, it provides subsidized treatment to patients, making it accessible to people from all economic backgrounds.

3. International Collaboration: CNCI collaborates with several global cancer research institutes for advanced studies and clinical trials.

4. Holistic Care: It offers medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pediatric oncology, preventive oncology, and palliative care under one roof.

5. World-Class Facilities: The Rajarhat campus is equipped with the latest technologies like PET-CT, LINAC (Linear Accelerator), bone marrow transplant unit, ICU facilities, and robotic surgery (upcoming).

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📍 Location and Address

• Campus 1 (Hazra Road):
  Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S.P. Mukherjee Road, Hazra, Kolkata – 700026

• Campus 2 (Rajarhat, New Town):
  CNCI, 5th & 6th Mile, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata – 700156

Both campuses are well-connected by road and public transport. The Rajarhat campus is close to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, making it accessible for outstation patients.

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🕘 OPD Timings

The Outpatient Department (OPD) caters to patients from Monday to Saturday.

• Registration Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Consultation Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Patients are advised to register early in the morning to avoid long queues. Online appointment booking is also available through the hospital website.

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🩺 Departments and Specialties

CNCI has a wide range of oncology specialties and allied departments, ensuring complete cancer care:

1. Medical Oncology

• Chemotherapy

• Immunotherapy

• Targeted therapy

• Hormone therapy

2. Surgical Oncology

• Head and neck cancer surgeries

• Breast and gynecological cancer surgeries

• Gastrointestinal cancer surgeries

• Thoracic and urological cancer surgeries

3. Radiation Oncology

• Conventional radiation

• 3DCRT, IMRT, IGRT

• Brachytherapy

4. Pediatric Oncology

• Childhood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors

5. Preventive Oncology

• Cancer screening camps

• Awareness programs

• Tobacco cessation clinics

6. Palliative Care & Pain Management

• End-of-life care

• Pain relief clinics

• Counseling and psychological support

7. Pathology & Diagnostics

• Advanced molecular testing

• Biopsy and histopathology

• PET-CT, MRI, CT scan

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👨‍⚕️ Doctors and Specialists at CNCI

CNCI boasts a highly qualified team of doctors, surgeons, and researchers. Some notable specialists include:

• Dr. Jayanta Chakrabarti – Director, CNCI

• Dr. Arindam Roy – Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology

• Dr. T.K. Bandyopadhyay – Medical Oncologist

• Dr. Aparajita Mitra – Radiation Oncologist

• Dr. Subhasis Mitra – Pediatric Oncologist

(Note: The names are representative; patients should check the latest roster on the official CNCI website or notice board for updated doctor availability.)

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💰 Treatment Costs

CNCI is a government institution, so the treatment cost is significantly lower than private hospitals. For example:

• Consultation fees: ₹10 – ₹20

• Chemotherapy cycles: Starts from ₹1,000 (depending on drugs used)

• Radiation therapy: Subsidized packages available

• Surgeries: Cost depends on procedure but is much cheaper compared to private hospitals

Patients below the poverty line can also avail benefits under schemes like Swasthya Sathi (West Bengal Govt.) and Ayushman Bharat (Central Govt.).

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🛏 Facilities at Rajarhat Campus

The new CNCI campus is comparable to international cancer hospitals. Facilities include:

• 460-bed hospital

• 25-bed ICU and critical care units

• Bone marrow transplant unit

• Modular operation theatres

• Robotic surgery (in pipeline)

• Advanced diagnostic laboratories

• Patient lodging and canteen services

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📌 How to Book an Appointment

Patients can book OPD slots in two ways:

1. Offline Registration: Visit the hospital in the morning (9 AM – 12 PM).

2. Online Booking: Through the CNCI official website (cnci.ac.in) or West Bengal Health Department portal.

For emergency cases, walk-in facilities are available.

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🌍 CNCI in Research and Training

Apart from patient care, CNCI is a pioneer in cancer research in India. The institute conducts:

• Clinical trials on new cancer drugs and therapies

• Research in molecular biology, genetics, and epidemiology

• Training programs for doctors, nurses, and paramedics

• Fellowship and Ph.D. opportunities in oncology

This makes CNCI not just a hospital but also a knowledge hub in oncology.

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🙌 Patient Tips Before Visiting CNCI

• Carry all previous medical records, test results, and referral letters.

• Register early in the morning for OPD consultations.

• For Rajarhat campus, check the transport route in advance.

• Enquire about government health schemes for cost reduction.

• For international patients (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan), ensure you have proper medical visas and documents.

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📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is CNCI only for cancer patients?
Yes, CNCI specializes exclusively in cancer treatment and related research.

Q2: Does CNCI offer free treatment?
Treatment is highly subsidized. Free treatment is available for economically weaker patients under government health schemes.

Q3: Can patients from other states or countries visit CNCI?
Yes, CNCI accepts patients from across India and neighboring countries.

Q4: Which is better – Hazra campus or Rajarhat campus?
Both serve different purposes. Hazra focuses on OPD and preventive oncology, while Rajarhat has advanced in-patient facilities and modern equipment.

Q5: How do I contact CNCI?
Visit the official website cnci.ac.in for updated contacts and appointment details.

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🔑 Conclusion

The Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata, is not just a hospital—it’s a lifeline for cancer patients in Eastern India. With its blend of affordable treatment, advanced facilities, expert doctors, and strong research background, CNCI continues to play a crucial role in India’s fight against cancer.

If you or your loved ones are seeking specialized cancer treatment in Kolkata, CNCI should be your first choice.