Sudarshan Chemical Expands Breast Cancer Screening in Gujarat

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Saturday, 24 October 2026

A mobile mammography campaign by Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited (SCIL) and Deepak Foundation has taken breast cancer screening to the doorsteps of women in rural and semi-urban parts of Ankleshwar Taluka, Bharuch district, Gujarat. The initiative was announced on 26th September, 2025, which targets to ensure better access to preventive health care for women who have geographical, financial and awareness obstacles in accessing health care.

The program is targeted on women from the age group 35 to 70 from the 28 selected villages, near Ankleshwar industrial area. The project could be expanded to other sites based on community needs and assessment of the project's impact.

Key Highlights

• Mobile mammography brings breast cancer screening closer to underserved rural women
• The initiative targets women aged 35–70 across 28 selected villages
• Awareness sessions and medical referrals support early diagnosis and follow-up care

Breast cancer continues to be a significant public health issue among women and early detection can make a difference in the treatment. For rural women, travelling distances to specialised diagnostic facilities can be a challenge, as can limited financial resources, and breast health issues are shrouded in social stigma and lack of awareness. The screening services are conducted in villages to sensitize the women to focus on prevention and seek early medical advice.

The mobile unit has mammography technology and trained health care professionals, including a medical officer, a radiographer, nurse and counsellor. The program will include village level awareness building sessions on breast cancer risk factors, warning signs and common misconceptions apart from screening. The sessions are designed to educate and encourage women to value screening and to make health-related choices.

Shivalika Raje, Head of People Practices and Chief Sustainability Officer of Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, emphasized the need for promoting access to healthcare services for all. She said that access to healthcare should not be based around geographical areas or financial circumstances. Her remarks are in line with the program's goal of providing women who may not otherwise have access to vital diagnostic services.

The company's Head of CSR, ESG and Sustainability, Madhuri Sanas also highlighted the importance of tackling the stigma around women's health. She said this was to "bust the silence" on breast cancer in rural areas and allow women to access screening without shame.

The program is designed not only to screen but to also set up referral paths to the local hospitals for women who need further investigation or treatment. This is because having an abnormal mammogram doesn't necessarily mean cancer; it may need further tests. Eligible beneficiaries will also be supported to get Ayushman Bharat health cards through Project Sangath so that they can avail healthcare benefits under the applicable government schemes.

The effectiveness of the program will be measured by the number of people who take part in screens, the proportion who are diagnosed early and the level of community awareness raised. The results can provide insights into the healthcare needs and areas in need of expansion.

The program helps overcome several barriers to breast cancer screening by providing mobile diagnostics and community education and referral services. It also underscores the need for building joint efforts between healthcare institutions and the community to bolster preventive healthcare of women.

Bringing screening to the rural population's doorstep can facilitate timely medical care for women. The initiative is a tangible approach to strengthening breast health awareness, early detection and equitable access to key health services.