India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market, By Product (Chemotherapy Drugs and Chemotherapy Infusion Pumps), By Treatment Stage (Early-Stage Cancer, Advanced-Stage Cancer, Metastatic Cancer, and Recurrent Cancer), By Cancer Type (Breast Cancer, Blood Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Home Health Agencies, Pharmacy-based Services, Direct-to-Patient Services, and Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market was valued at USD 51.23 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 91.28 Million by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 10.21% in the forecast period.

The chemotherapy at home service market in India is experiencing growing momentum, driven by the rising demand for patient-centric, convenient, and cost-effective cancer care. Traditionally administered in hospital settings, chemotherapy is now increasingly being delivered at home, especially in urban areas, where healthcare infrastructure is evolving and patients are seeking personalized care.

The shift is largely influenced by the increasing incidence of cancer in India, the high cost of prolonged hospital stays, and the emotional and physical toll of frequent hospital visits on patients and their families. Home-based chemotherapy offers several advantages including reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections, greater comfort, and the psychological benefit of receiving treatment in a familiar environment. For instance, in September 2024, AIIMS Jammu launched a dedicated chemotherapy facility to provide cancer treatment to patients in the region. The center was equipped with advanced medical infrastructure and aimed to deliver accessible, high-quality oncology care. This initiative marked a significant step toward improving cancer services in Jammu, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for essential chemotherapy sessions. 

It also allows patients to maintain a sense of normalcy in their daily routines. Healthcare providers and start-ups offering such services are ensuring that these treatments are administered by trained oncology nurses under the supervision of oncologists, with robust protocols for safety and emergency care.

Technological advancements in remote monitoring, coupled with digital health platforms, have also enhanced the feasibility of delivering complex treatments like chemotherapy at home. The model appeals particularly to elderly patients, those with mobility challenges, and individuals living in metro cities with access to specialized healthcare providers. While the concept is still gaining acceptance, the growth of home healthcare services and greater awareness around cancer management are accelerating its adoption. Challenges such as limited access in rural areas and the need for stringent quality control remain, but the overall outlook for India’s chemotherapy at home service market is promising.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Cancer Incidence

The rising incidence of cancer in India is one of the most significant factors shaping the growth of the chemotherapy at home service market. Between 2012 and 2022, India’s population grew by 11.2%, while cancer incidence surged by 36%. The number of cancer cases rose from 1.01 million in 2012 to 1.38 million in 2022. This sharp rise highlighted the growing cancer burden in the country, outpacing population growth and stressing healthcare resources. 

India is witnessing a steady increase in cancer cases across urban and rural regions, with common types including breast, lung, colorectal, cervical, and oral cancers. This upward trend is attributed to several factors such as aging population, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, pollution, and dietary changes. As the number of cancer diagnoses climbs, so does the demand for timely, continuous, and accessible treatment options. Hospitals and oncology centers in major Indian cities often face resource constraints due to high patient volumes. This leads to long waiting periods, overburdened facilities, and logistical challenges for patients who must travel frequently for chemotherapy sessions. These difficulties are especially taxing for elderly patients or those suffering from advanced stages of cancer who require a more supportive and less stressful environment for treatment.

In this context, home-based chemotherapy is emerging as a valuable solution. With cancer becoming more prevalent, patients are seeking care models that align with their physical comfort and emotional well-being. Receiving chemotherapy at home allows patients to undergo treatment in familiar surroundings, supported by family members, while minimizing exposure to hospital-acquired infections. This approach is particularly appealing in densely populated cities where commuting is time-consuming and physically demanding for ill patients. The growing cancer burden is also pushing healthcare providers and policymakers to innovate and decentralize care delivery. Chemotherapy at home addresses the need for personalized oncology services while helping decongest hospital infrastructure. As cancer continues to rise as a public health concern, home-based treatment models will likely become a core component of India’s cancer care strategy, especially as awareness grows and clinical protocols for home administration become more standardized and trusted.

Shortage of Hospital Beds and Oncology Infrastructure

India faces a significant shortage of hospital beds and oncology infrastructure, a challenge that directly impacts the delivery of cancer treatment across the country. With the rising burden of cancer, the demand for oncology services has surged. India’s healthcare system has faced persistent challenges from a rapidly growing population and inadequate infrastructure. To meet the World Health Organization’s standard of five hospital beds per 1,000 people, the country required an estimated 2.4 million additional beds. This shortfall underscored the urgent need for investment in expanding and strengthening healthcare capacity nationwide. 

However, many hospitals, especially public ones, are struggling to meet this demand due to limited capacity, insufficient oncology departments, and a shortage of trained oncologists and specialized nurses. In metropolitan cities, top-tier hospitals often experience overcrowding, leading to long waiting times for chemotherapy appointments. This not only delays treatment but also adds to the psychological stress faced by patients and their families. Smaller towns and rural areas are even more affected, with many lacking access to specialized cancer care facilities altogether. Patients in such areas often need to travel great distances to reach urban centers for treatment, which can be both financially and physically taxing.

The limited availability of hospital beds means that priority is often given to patients requiring intensive inpatient care. As a result, patients who could safely receive chemotherapy on an outpatient basis are sometimes unable to access timely treatment. This scenario has prompted healthcare providers and patients to explore alternatives, such as chemotherapy at home. Home-based chemotherapy offers a practical solution to ease the burden on hospitals by shifting eligible patients to a home-care model. This approach helps free up critical hospital infrastructure for more severe cases while ensuring continuity of care. Specialized home healthcare providers are stepping in to bridge this gap by offering trained oncology nurses, remote monitoring, and consultation support.

The pressure on India’s oncology infrastructure has highlighted the need for scalable and sustainable cancer care models. Chemotherapy at home is emerging as a viable component of this response, offering a decentralized approach that can improve access to treatment while reducing strain on the healthcare system.

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Improved Home Healthcare Ecosystem

The improved home healthcare ecosystem in India has played a critical role in supporting the rise of chemotherapy at home services. Over the past decade, the home healthcare sector has evolved from basic caregiving services to delivering complex medical treatments, including oncology care, in a home setting. This transformation has been driven by the entry of organized healthcare providers, advancements in medical technology, and increased awareness among patients and families. Professional home healthcare agencies now offer specialized oncology services, employing trained nurses who are skilled in administering chemotherapy and managing potential side effects. These services are often delivered under the remote supervision of oncologists, ensuring adherence to clinical protocols and patient safety. With dedicated staff, emergency protocols, and proper storage and handling of chemotherapeutic drugs, these providers have built trust and credibility in a highly sensitive area of care.

Digital health platforms have also enhanced the home chemotherapy model. Real-time monitoring tools, teleconsultations, and mobile apps allow oncologists to track patient progress, adjust treatment plans, and respond quickly to complications. This integration of technology has improved clinical oversight and patient outcomes, making chemotherapy at home a safer and more reliable option. Urban centers in India have become hubs for home healthcare services, supported by better infrastructure, logistics, and availability of skilled professionals. Families are now more open to exploring home-based treatment models, especially when supported by transparent communication and standardized protocols.

The expanding capabilities of the home healthcare ecosystem are helping fill the gaps left by overburdened hospitals. As home healthcare continues to mature, chemotherapy at home is gaining wider acceptance, offering patients a dignified, convenient, and clinically sound alternative to hospital-based treatment, especially for those requiring repeated cycles of care over extended periods. This evolution is expected to shape the future of oncology services in India.

Key Market Challenges

Insurance and Reimbursement Issue

Insurance and reimbursement challenges are key obstacles in the growth of the chemotherapy at home service market in India. Most health insurance policies in the country are designed around traditional hospital-based care and do not comprehensively cover home-based medical treatments, including chemotherapy. This leaves a significant financial burden on patients who opt for receiving care in the comfort of their homes. While some progressive insurance providers have started offering limited coverage for home healthcare, the inclusion of oncology-specific services remains inconsistent. Many policies only reimburse for hospitalization expenses, excluding chemotherapy administered outside a clinical setting. Patients must often pay out-of-pocket for drugs, nursing services, and medical supervision, making home chemotherapy unaffordable for a large section of the population.

The absence of clear guidelines and standardized billing codes for home chemotherapy further complicates the reimbursement process. Insurers are hesitant to approve claims without structured documentation and clinical protocols, which are still evolving in the home healthcare sector. This uncertainty discourages both patients and providers from fully adopting the home-based model.  From a provider’s perspective, lack of insurance support makes it difficult to scale services or invest in training, logistics, and technology. Without financial backing, home healthcare companies face limitations in expanding beyond affluent, self-paying urban patients.

To enable broader access and equitable cancer care, there is a growing need for policy reforms. Including home chemotherapy under standard health insurance plans and developing reimbursement frameworks can drive greater adoption, reduce costs for patients, and support the long-term sustainability of home-based oncology services in India.

Infrastructure Gaps in Rural Areas

Infrastructure gaps in rural areas present a significant barrier to the expansion of chemotherapy at home services in India. While urban centers benefit from better healthcare infrastructure, skilled professionals, and digital connectivity, rural regions continue to face challenges that hinder the delivery of complex treatments like chemotherapy outside hospital settings. One of the primary issues is the lack of trained oncology nurses and caregivers in rural areas. Administering chemotherapy requires not only medical expertise but also the ability to manage adverse effects and handle emergency situations. The shortage of such skilled personnel limits the feasibility of offering home-based chemotherapy in these regions.

Logistical difficulties further complicate service delivery. Chemotherapy drugs often require temperature-controlled transportation and storage, which is difficult to maintain consistently in areas with unreliable electricity and limited cold chain networks. Poor road connectivity and long travel times also impact the timely delivery of medical supplies and the ability of healthcare professionals to reach patients’ homes on schedule.

Digital infrastructure, which supports remote monitoring and teleconsultations, is less developed in many rural parts of India. Limited internet access and technological literacy restrict the integration of digital health tools, making it harder to supervise home treatments effectively. These infrastructure gaps result in rural cancer patients facing delays in treatment, frequent travel to distant hospitals, and higher overall costs. Until rural healthcare systems are strengthened with better workforce availability, logistics, and digital support, the reach of chemotherapy at home will remain largely confined to urban populations in India.

Key Market Trends

Growing Preference for Home-Based Care

There is a growing preference for home-based care among cancer patients in India, which is significantly impacting the chemotherapy at home service market. This shift is driven by a desire for comfort, privacy, and convenience during one of the most challenging phases of medical treatment. Patients undergoing chemotherapy often face physical fatigue, emotional distress, and logistical burdens associated with repeated hospital visits. Receiving treatment at home allows them to remain in a familiar environment, supported by family members and away from the stress of hospital settings. The COVID-19 pandemic played a key role in accelerating this preference. Fear of exposure to infections and restricted access to hospitals led many patients to explore alternatives to in-clinic treatments. This experience reshaped perceptions about the feasibility and safety of home-based care, especially when managed by trained professionals and monitored remotely by oncologists.

In metropolitan cities, where traffic congestion and long travel times add to the discomfort of frequent hospital visits, home chemotherapy offers a practical and time-saving solution. Patients can maintain their daily routines to some extent, which helps improve emotional well-being and treatment adherence. The growing preference is also influenced by the aging population and rise of nuclear families, where elderly patients often require personalized care. Families are seeking solutions that allow for quality medical support without compromising on comfort and emotional security. As awareness increases and home healthcare providers continue to professionalize their services, the preference for chemotherapy at home is expected to strengthen. This trend reflects a broader movement toward patient-centric cancer care in India.

Expansion of Organized Home Healthcare Providers

The expansion of organized home healthcare providers is reshaping the India chemotherapy at home service market, offering a structured, safe, and scalable alternative to hospital-based care. Over recent years, a number of professional home healthcare companies have entered the oncology space, investing in training programs, supply chain capabilities, and clinical oversight to support the delivery of chemotherapy in home environments. These providers recruit oncology-trained nurses equipped to administer intravenous infusions, monitor patient vitals, and identify early warning signs of side effects. They also maintain rigorous standards for drug storage, handling, and disposal, ensuring compliance with clinical protocols. Protocols are overseen remotely by oncologists, who connect through telemedicine platforms to review patient data and adjust treatment plans in real time.

In addition to core medical services, these companies build comprehensive patient support systems. They coordinate drug procurement, arrange home visits on precise schedules, and provide emergency backup arrangements often in partnership with local hospitals or ambulance services to ensure prompt response if needed. Hygiene and infection-control procedures are standardized across all visits, reinforcing trust in the quality of care. Many of these providers are now collaborating with hospitals, offering hybrid service models. In that setup, patients receive initial chemotherapy cycles in hospital settings and then continue subsequent cycles at home under the same clinical team’s guidance. This integrated model eases the transition from hospital to home care and reassures both patients and clinicians.

Presence of organized providers is particularly strong in metropolitan regions such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. Their reach is expanding to smaller cities too, as infrastructure and online platforms mature. This professionalization of home oncology care is unlocking access to more patients and helping transform cancer treatment pathways in India.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

Based on product, in the India chemotherapy at home service market, chemotherapy drugs was the dominant component compared to chemotherapy infusion pumps. The core of home-based cancer treatment revolves around the safe and timely administration of chemotherapy drugs, which form the foundation of therapeutic protocols for most types of cancer. These drugs are critical to treatment outcomes and are tailored to the patient’s cancer type, stage, and overall health. While infusion pumps play an important role in delivering drugs with precision and control, they are typically used in select cases that require continuous or metered drug administration. In most home-based settings, trained oncology nurses administer chemotherapy drugs through intravenous methods without the need for complex infusion pump systems. Manual administration remains more common due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of training.

The market for chemotherapy at home is largely driven by access to high-quality drugs, temperature-controlled storage, and proper handling. Drug logistics, dosing accuracy, and timely delivery are central to service providers’ operations. Infusion pumps, though essential in certain clinical scenarios, remain supplementary to the broader delivery of chemotherapy drugs. This positions chemotherapy drugs as the dominant segment in the Indian home chemotherapy ecosystem.

Treatment Stage Insights

Based on treatment stage, early-stage cancer was the dominant category among the different cancer stages. Patients in the early stages of cancer often have better overall health, fewer complications, and are more likely to tolerate chemotherapy outside a hospital setting. Home-based chemotherapy is typically considered safe for these patients, as the treatment protocols are relatively straightforward and side effects can be more easily managed by trained home care professionals. Service providers prefer offering home chemotherapy to early-stage cancer patients because they present lower risk profiles. These patients usually undergo scheduled, repeatable cycles of chemotherapy that do not require constant hospital supervision. Their treatment plans are more stable, allowing for effective coordination between oncologists and home healthcare teams.

Patients with advanced-stage, metastatic, or recurrent cancers often have more complex needs, frequent complications, and a higher risk of adverse reactions. These cases may require emergency support or intensive monitoring that is more readily available in hospital settings. While some of these patients can still be managed at home under strict supervision, early-stage cancer patients remain the most suitable and common candidates for home-based chemotherapy in India due to clinical safety and logistical feasibility.

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Regional Insights

Based on region, the dominant region in the India chemotherapy at home service market was the South, particularly cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. These cities have witnessed rapid growth in organized home healthcare services, supported by a strong medical infrastructure and a high concentration of oncology specialists. The South is also home to several leading hospitals and cancer care centers that are more open to adopting hybrid care models, where chemotherapy cycles begin in hospitals and continue at home under professional supervision. Bengaluru, in particular, has emerged as a hub for digital health innovation, with several startups and healthcare providers offering specialized oncology care at home. The presence of tech-savvy populations, higher health awareness, and willingness to explore alternative care settings make this region ideal for home-based chemotherapy services.

Chennai and Hyderabad also benefit from well-established hospital networks, reliable logistics, and trained medical personnel, all of which support the safe administration of chemotherapy drugs in home environments. The demand is high in urban centers where patients seek convenience, comfort, and continuity of care without frequent hospital visits. These factors position the southern region as the most mature and dominant market for chemotherapy at home in India.

Recent Developments

• According to a May 2025 article, an employee undergoing chemotherapy was denied remote work and later fired over alleged "productivity issues." The employee was reportedly told that remote work was a privilege, not a medical accommodation. This incident raised concerns about workplace discrimination against cancer patients and highlighted the lack of support for individuals seeking flexible arrangements during treatment. The case sparked public outrage and calls for stronger employee protection laws.
• In March 2025, Narayana Hrudayalaya's shares rose after its subsidiary entered into a joint venture agreement to offer chemotherapy services in India. The move marked a strategic expansion into home-based cancer care, aiming to increase access to oncology treatment. Investors responded positively to the announcement, viewing it as a step toward tapping into the growing demand for decentralized and patient-centric healthcare services across the country.
• In January 2025, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) launched a chemotherapy day care centre at Nerul, Navi Mumbai. The facility was established to provide accessible and affordable cancer treatment to local residents. Equipped with essential medical infrastructure and staffed by trained professionals, the centre aimed to reduce the burden on larger hospitals and support patients requiring regular chemotherapy sessions in a more convenient and community-based setting.

Key Market Players

• Health Care at Home India Pvt Ltd.
• Purple Ribbon Healthcare Services Pvt Ltd.
• HCG Oncology Healthcare Pvt Ltd.
• Zoctr Health Pvt Ltd.
• Health Vista Pvt Ltd (Portea Medical)
• Medibank Private Ltd.
• Ubiqare Health
• Vitalis Health and Home Care
• TCP Homecare
• LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare.

Report Scope:

In this report, the India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market, By Product:

o   Chemotherapy Drugs

o   Chemotherapy Infusion Pumps  

• India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market, By Treatment Stage:

o   Early-Stage Cancer

o   Advanced-Stage Cancer

o   Metastatic Cancer

o   Recurrent Cancer  

• India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market, By Cancer Type:

o   Breast Cancer

o   Blood Cancer

o   Ovarian Cancer

o   Colorectal Cancer

o   Others

• India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Home Health Agencies

o   Pharmacy-based Services

o   Direct-to-Patient Services

o   Others  

• India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market, By Region:

o   North India

o   East India

o   West India

o   South India

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market.

Available Customizations:

India Chemotherapy at Home Service Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).