Oncare Secures Funding to Revolutionize Cancer Care in Tier-2/3 India: A Win for Accessible Oncology
In a significant boost to India’s healthcare infrastructure, Oncare—a pioneering oncology care provider—has raised fresh capital to expand its network of cancer treatment centres into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, bringing specialized care closer to millions of patients who currently must travel to metros for treatment.
The investment, led by Sky Impact Capital with participation from existing investors, will power Oncare’s mission to democratize access to high-quality, affordable cancer care across Bharat .
This round reflects growing investor conviction in impact-driven healthtech models that combine clinical excellence with scalability and inclusivity—addressing one of India’s most pressing healthcare challenges .
The Funding Round
Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Round | Growth capital (follow-on to previous funding) |
| Lead Investor | Sky Impact Capital |
| Existing Investors | Participation in this round |
| Use of Funds | Network expansion, clinical teams, equipment, digital tools, patient support |
Why Sky Impact Capital Invested
Sky Impact Capital’s leadership in this round signals strong belief in:
- Oncare’s mission to democratize cancer care
- Scalable model partnering with existing hospitals
- Clinical excellence and adherence to global protocols
- Measurable impact on patient outcomes and affordability
- Strong leadership and execution capability
As a Sky Impact Capital spokesperson noted: “Oncare is addressing one of the most critical gaps in India’s healthcare system—access to quality cancer care outside metro cities. Their model of partnering with regional hospitals to set up dedicated oncology units is both scalable and impactful. We’re proud to support their expansion.”
The Problem: India’s Cancer Care Gap
The Scale of the Challenge
| Metric | Reality |
|---|---|
| Annual cancer cases | Over 1.5 million new cases diagnosed each year |
| Cancer burden in non-metros | Over 70% of cases occur outside major cities |
| Oncology infrastructure concentration | Heavily concentrated in metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad) |
| Travel burden | Patients often travel hundreds of kilometres, incurring huge costs and losing wages |
| Treatment delays | Travel and wait times lead to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes |
The Consequences
- Financial devastation —Treatment costs + travel + lost wages push families into debt
- Treatment abandonment —Many patients give up due to distance and cost
- Late-stage diagnosis —Limited access means cancer caught later, when harder to treat
- Emotional toll —Separation from family support systems during treatment
Why Existing Models Fall Short
- Metro hospitals are oversubscribed and far away
- District hospitals lack specialized oncology infrastructure
- Private nursing homes cannot afford comprehensive cancer care setup
- Public health system overwhelmed by demand
Oncare’s Solution: A New Model for Cancer Care
The Core Idea
Oncare partners with mid-sized and regional hospitals in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to set up dedicated oncology wings—bringing expert-led cancer care inside trusted local healthcare facilities.
What Oncare Centres Offer
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical oncology | Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy |
| Day-care chemotherapy | Patient-friendly, same-day treatment |
| Supportive care | Pain management, nutrition, counselling |
| Multidisciplinary coordination | Tumor boards connecting specialists |
The Partnership Model
- Identify partner hospital in Tier-2/3 city with good reputation and infrastructure
- Set up dedicated oncology unit with Oncare’s specifications
- Deploy clinical team (oncologists, nurses, support staff)
- Ensure protocol adherence to global standards
- Integrate with hospital’s existing services (radiology, pathology, surgery)
Key Advantages
| Stakeholder | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Patients | Access to quality care close to home—no travel to metros |
| Partner hospitals | Add oncology services without massive capital investment |
| Oncologists | Opportunity to practice in their hometowns |
| Healthcare system | Reduced burden on tertiary metro hospitals |
How the Fresh Capital Will Be Used
1. Rapid Scaling of Oncare Centres
Oncare will use the funding to expand its network rapidly across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities:
- Target states with high cancer burden and underserved populations
- Priority cities identified based on patient flow data and partner hospital interest
- Phased rollout ensuring quality and sustainability
2. Strengthening Clinical Teams
- Recruit additional oncologists, nurses, and support staff
- Invest in training programs for consistent protocol adherence
- Build leadership pipeline for regional hubs
3. State-of-the-Art Equipment
- Chemotherapy infusion chairs and administration systems
- Biosafety cabinets for safe drug handling
- Electronic medical records integrated with Oncare’s systems
- Tele-oncology infrastructure for remote consultations
4. Patient Support Programs
Oncare’s holistic approach includes:
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Affordability initiatives | Transparent pricing, payment plans, insurance coordination |
| Patient counselling | Emotional and psychological support |
| Nutrition guidance | Specialized diet support during treatment |
| Palliative care integration | Comfort and quality of life for advanced cases |
5. Digital Tools Development
- Remote consultations platform for follow-ups and second opinions
- Treatment tracking for patients and families
- Multidisciplinary tumor board coordination tools
- Data collection for outcomes research and quality improvement
The Impact: Transforming Cancer Care in Bharat
For Patients
- No more metro travel —Treatment close to home, family, and support systems
- Lower costs —Save on travel, accommodation, and lost wages
- Earlier treatment —Reduced delays mean better outcomes
- Continuity of care —Same team throughout treatment journey
For Families
- Stay together during a difficult time
- Reduce financial burden of cancer treatment
- Better communication with care team
- Support network intact
For Partner Hospitals
- Add oncology services without multi-crore investment
- Retain patients who would otherwise travel to metros
- Enhance reputation as comprehensive care provider
- Revenue diversification and growth
For Oncologists
- Practice in hometowns rather than metros
- Build long-term relationships with patients
- Work in well-equipped,
— Mut
For the Healthcare System
- Reduce burden on tertiary metro hospitals
- Improve outcomes through earlier treatment
- Lower system costs through distributed care
- Build regional capacity for future needs
The Oncology Landscape in India
Current State
| Aspect | Reality |
|---|---|
| Cancer incidence | Rising due to aging population, lifestyle changes, environmental factors |
| Survival rates | Lower than global averages due to late diagnosis and access issues |
| Treatment access | Highly concentrated in metros |
| Workforce distribution | Most oncologists in large cities |
| Cost burden | Catastrophic for many families |
The Opportunity
- Distributed care models like Oncare’s can bridge the access gap
- Technology-enabled oncology (telemedicine, digital records) enables quality at scale
- Prevention and early detection becoming policy priorities
- Insurance coverage expanding (Ayushman Bharat, private insurance)
- Impact investing growing in healthcare
Investor Perspective: Why Impact and Returns Align
Sky Impact Capital’s investment reflects a broader trend: investors increasingly believe that addressing India’s biggest challenges can generate strong returns.
The Thesis
- Large addressable market —Millions of cancer patients outside metros
- Clear pain point —Travel to metros is expensive, disruptive, and often impossible
- Scalable model —Partnership approach enables rapid expansion without massive capital
- Recurring revenue —Treatment cycles create predictable cash flows
- Demonstrated impact —Measurable improvement in patient access and outcomes
The Impact Measurement
Oncare’s success will be measured not just in financial returns but in:
- Patient lives touched
- Kilometers of travel saved
- Treatment costs reduced
- Clinical outcomes improved
- Jobs created in Tier-2/3 cities
What This Means for Different Stakeholders
For Founders
- Impact and returns can coexist —Oncare proves it
- Solve a real problem —Cancer care access is desperate need
- Scale through partnerships —Leverage existing infrastructure
- Focus on quality —Clinical excellence is non-negotiable
For Investors
- Healthcare infrastructure is a massive opportunity
- Distributed care models address India’s geography
- Impact investing is maturing beyond grants to growth capital
- Long-term value creation aligned with societal good
For Policymakers
- Support distributed care models through policy and incentives
- Encourage public-private partnerships for cancer care
- Expand insurance coverage for outpatient cancer treatment
- Invest in oncology workforce training for non-metros
For Healthcare Professionals
- Opportunity to practice in Tier-2/3 cities
- Build meaningful relationships with patients and communities
- Work with well-equipped,
For Patients and Families
- Hope that quality care is coming closer
- Advocacy for more such centres
- Awareness that treatment doesn’t require metro travel
The Road Ahead for Oncare
Near-Term Priorities
- Scale network to cover priority Tier-2/3 cities
- Deepen clinical teams and ensure quality
- Launch digital tools for patient support
- Build awareness among patients and referring doctors
Medium-Term Vision
- Pan-India presence across major underserved regions
- Integrated care including prevention and early detection
- Research and outcomes data to drive continuous improvement
- Partnerships with insurers for affordable packages
Long-Term Impact
- Transform cancer care access in India
- Save millions of patient-kilometers of travel
- Improve survival rates through earlier treatment
- Demonstrate model for other specialized care (cardiology, nephrology)
Conclusion: A Powerful Step for Accessible Oncology
Oncare’s funding round led by Sky Impact Capital is more than a financial transaction—it’s a powerful validation of the mission to democratize cancer care across Bharat.
By bringing specialized oncology treatment into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, Oncare is addressing one of the most painful inequities in India’s healthcare system: the fact that over 70% of cancer patients live outside metros, but most advanced treatment is concentrated in them.
The model is elegant in its simplicity:
- Partner with existing regional hospitals
- Set up dedicated oncology units with global protocols
- Deploy expert clinical teams
- Serve patients close to home, with family support
The result is:
- Better outcomes through earlier treatment
- Lower costs by eliminating metro travel
- Dignity of treatment in familiar surroundings
- Sustainability through scalable partnerships
As Oncare scales from this funding round to reach more cities, more patients, and more families, it’s proving a powerful truth:
Specialized healthcare doesn’t have to be limited to big cities. With the right model, investment, and execution, world-class cancer care can reach every corner of India.
For the millions of cancer patients in Tier-2 and Tier-3 India—and their families—that’s not just good news. It’s hope.
