MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre

MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre (MNJ) is Telangana's premier government-run cancer hospital, located in Lakdikapul, central Hyderabad. Named after the freedom fighter Mehboob Nagar Jalimulab (MNJ), the institute has for decades been the most important public sector cancer treatment centre serving the populations of Telangana and undivided Andhra Pradesh. With over 600 beds and a dedicated oncology faculty, MNJ provides subsidised and free cancer care to thousands of patients annually, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise be unable to afford treatment at private cancer hospitals. The institute offers all three pillars of cancer treatment — surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy and targeted therapy), and radiation oncology (radiotherapy) — under one roof, along with pathology, diagnostic imaging, and palliative care. MNJ is affiliated with Osmania Medical College and conducts postgraduate medical training in oncology disciplines. The institute's role as the government's designated Regional Cancer Centre means it receives referrals from district hospitals across Telangana, functioning as the apex cancer care provider in the state's public health system.

MNJ Institute of Oncology manages the full spectrum of cancers presenting in the Telangana region. Surgical oncology covers head and neck cancers, breast cancer surgery (including mastectomy and breast conservation surgery), gynaecological cancers (cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer surgery), gastrointestinal cancers, urological cancers (prostate, kidney, and bladder), thoracic cancers (lung, oesophageal), and soft tissue sarcomas and bone tumours. Medical oncology provides systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy (for HER2-positive breast, EGFR-mutant lung, CML, and others), immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Radiation oncology delivers external beam radiotherapy (3D-CRT, IMRT, IGRT) and brachytherapy for cervical and endometrial cancers. Palliative care provides pain management and supportive care. Tumour boards guide multi-disciplinary treatment planning. Specialised pain clinic and palliative care services provide symptom management, psychological support, and home-based palliative care coordination for patients with advanced or incurable cancers. Nutritional support and dietetics are integrated into oncology management.

MNJ Institute of Oncology has a large radiation oncology department equipped with linear accelerators (LINAC) for external beam radiotherapy including 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Brachytherapy (high dose rate — HDR) equipment is used for gynaecological and other brachytherapy-amenable cancers. Chemotherapy day care facilities allow administration of systemic treatment in outpatient settings. Operation theatres are equipped for oncological surgical procedures. The pathology and cytopathology laboratory is essential for cancer diagnosis via histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and cytology. Diagnostic imaging includes CT scan, digital X-ray, mammography, and ultrasound. A 24-hour pharmacy stocks oncology medications. A dedicated chemotherapy and infusion suite allows administration of systemic treatment with adequate nursing supervision. Dose calculation and preparation of chemotherapy drugs are performed under appropriate safety conditions.

MNJ Institute of Oncology primarily serves Indian citizens, offering subsidised or free cancer care to patients from Telangana and neighbouring states, particularly economically disadvantaged populations. International patients or Indian diaspora may access MNJ for oncology consultation or as part of a referred care pathway, though most international patients seeking cancer treatment in Hyderabad opt for private cancer centres. MNJ's location in central Hyderabad (Lakdikapul) is accessible from across the city. Physicians communicate in English, Telugu, Hindi, and Urdu. The hospital participates in the Aarogyasri health scheme and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, providing cashless cancer care for eligible beneficiaries. Patients visiting from neighbouring countries including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, or Indian diaspora abroad, can access MNJ for oncology consultation and management at government rates, though most international oncology patients prefer private sector hospitals.

MNJ Institute of Oncology is a government institution under the Telangana State Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation. It functions as a Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) designated by the Government of India under the National Cancer Control Programme. The institute is affiliated with Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, for postgraduate medical training in oncology, and is recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for DNB and other postgraduate programmes. Cancer treatment at MNJ follows National Cancer Grid (NCG) clinical protocols and guidelines. The institute participates in cancer registry and epidemiology studies under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) cancer registry programme.