Nov 02: Taking forward its commitment announced at the Himanshu Roy Legacy Awards 2026 in Mumbai, in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji, the Himanshu Roy Foundation officially launched its Maharashtra Cancer Screening Pledge in partnership with NAMCO Hospital, Panchvati, Nashik. The Foundation announced the initiative at a press conference held at the hospital on November 1, 2026, with Shri Narhari Zirwal Ji, Hon’ble Minister for Food and Drugs Administration, Government of Maharashtra, attending as the Guest of Honour. Shri Chhagan Bhujbal Ji, Hon’ble Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Government of Maharashtra, extended his support through a special video message. Dr Shefali Bhujbal Ji also attended the press conference, representing Shri Chhagan Bhujbal Ji, and emphasised the importance of early cancer detection, highlighting how timely diagnosis and regular check-ups can help overcome the disease. She praised the initiative, noting that health is the real wealth and that making free, advanced screening facilities accessible to the last sections of society is the need of the hour. The launch marks another step in the Foundation’s efforts to make early cancer screening more accessible across Maharashtra.
Through this partnership, the Himanshu Roy Foundation aims to expand access to free cancer screening with NAMCO Hospital, a charitable institution that provides free and subsidised healthcare to underprivileged communities. The initiative will offer free cancer screening tests through Tzar Labs to the hospital’s patients and their families, helping reduce financial barriers and making essential screening services more accessible to those who need them.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Narhari Zirwal Ji, Hon’ble Minister for Food and Drugs Administration, Government of Maharashtra, said,
“The work that Bhavna-tai has continued in the name of Himanshu Roy Saheb deserves appreciation. Through her efforts, the work he stood for is reaching more people, and today, his name will be discussed in households across the state. Cancer screening and timely diagnosis are extremely important, particularly in rural and tribal areas, where people often lack proper information and guidance. When a person falls ill, the first concern is often the lack of money. They may spend weeks or even months seeking treatment locally, without receiving a proper diagnosis, and by the time they reach a hospital, the disease may have progressed to an advanced stage. If the condition is detected at the right time, it can make a significant difference. I am glad that the Himanshu Roy Foundation has chosen to partner with NAMCO Hospital, which has a strong presence at the grassroots level and serves communities across several districts. A large proportion of its patients come from tribal and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Through this initiative and the Foundation’s efforts to spread awareness, more people can be guided towards timely screening and the healthcare they need. I assure you that I will extend my support and follow up on the suggestions made here, including exploring how these tests can be included under relevant schemes.”
Extending his support through a special video message, Shri Chhagan Bhujbal Ji, Hon’ble Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Government of Maharashtra, said,
“Remembering Himanshu Roy, who was a very popular police officer and fought his battle with cancer, the best way to honour his memory is to undertake social work in his name and help those in need. This is an important social activity. The Himanshu Roy Foundation has taken up the task of free cancer screening for 20,000 citizens across Maharashtra through the HRCSAT (Himanshu Roy Cancer Screening and Awareness Test) programme. This programme is being held in partnership with NAMCO Hospital and Tzar Labs under the message, ‘Let us Checkmate Cancer Together.’ We must all come together and fight cancer and diseases. This initiative should not be a one-day event; it should continue, ensuring that people in need receive support. We have to fight this battle with awareness, not disappointment, but hope.”
Bhavna Roy, Author and Founder-Director of the Himanshu Roy Foundation, said,
“For us, legacy is not simply about remembering a person; it is about carrying forward what they stood for. Himanshu believed deeply in service and in the responsibility we have towards society. Through this initiative, we hope to turn that belief into meaningful action by making cancer screening more accessible to those who need it most. We are grateful to NAMCO Hospital for partnering with us in taking this commitment forward and helping bring essential healthcare within reach of underserved communities.”
Amish Tripathi, renowned author and Co-founder of the Himanshu Roy Foundation, added,
“A legacy finds its true meaning in the lives it continues to touch. Himanshu ji stood for service, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility towards society. Making early cancer screening more accessible is one way of translating those values into action. Timely screening can make a critical difference, yet access to it remains a challenge for many. Through this partnership with NAMCO Hospital, we hope to bridge that gap and take another meaningful step towards ensuring that access to essential healthcare is not limited by financial circumstances.”
Through this initiative, the Himanshu Roy Foundation continues to honour Late Himanshu Roy, IPS, by carrying forward his legacy of service and commitment to society. The Foundation aims to build on this legacy through initiatives that create meaningful social impact and improve access to essential healthcare for underserved communities.