A new chapter in integrative cancer care is being written by Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), with the construction of India’s first Ayurvedic cancer hospital in Khopoli. The 100-bed facility, scheduled for completion by March 2026, is being designed to offer more than conventional medical treatment. A blend of traditional Ayurveda and creative healing therapies such as music, painting, and crafting is being planned to enhance patient recovery and well-being.
Art and music therapy will be incorporated into the hospital’s care approach, with structured sessions being planned as part of the healing process. The use of such therapies is being supported by international research, where reduced anxiety, depression, and stress levels have been recorded among patients exposed to guided creative activities. In one notable study involving patients with blood cancers, lower anxiety scores and better emotional outcomes were observed among those who participated in bedside art sessions.
The therapies will be implemented alongside Ayurvedic remedies, where the focus will be placed on herbal and plant-based compounds. A stronger post-treatment immune system is being targeted through this integrative model, which has been inspired by the growing global demand for holistic care in cancer treatment. Structured music therapy sessions are being highlighted as a powerful component of this approach. These sessions have been associated with reduced cortisol levels, improved heart rate regulation, enhanced sleep quality, and greater pain tolerance. Emotional release and immune support are also being considered significant outcomes of such therapy, contributing to a faster and more complete healing process.
Creative therapies are not new to TMH. Under its ImPaCCT Foundation programme for paediatric oncology, several initiatives have already been introduced with positive results. In 2023, dog therapy sessions were launched at the hospital’s paediatric outpatient department. A therapy dog named Sufi was brought in twice a week, and emotional comfort and clinical improvements were reported among young patients. The positive effects of such initiatives were acknowledged by hospital officials, who observed that children undergoing treatment often experienced emotional distress, which could delay healing. However, when moods were uplifted through therapy, the release of dopamine and serotonin was found to assist in the recovery process.
This shift in approach is being supported by the World Economic Forum and other global health bodies, where the role of non-pharmacological interventions like art, music, and animal-assisted therapy is being increasingly recognised. Through its upcoming facility in Khopoli, TMH is set to implement a patient-first, holistic vision for cancer treatment, where emotional health will be placed at the heart of medical care.