Cancer, diabetes increasing in India: PM

India is witnessing an increase in cases of cancer, heart disease and diabetes and the government is committed to ensure better facilities for the people, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Friday.

"India has a high disease burden of cancer, heart diseases and diabetes. In view of this, it was important to have an institute dedicated to cancer research," he said at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the National Cancer Institute here, according to a release.

He said Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has begun many new projects in the health sector.

"These show our commitment to ensure better medical facilities for the common man".

Manmohan Singh said that the National Rural Health Mission which was started in 2005 has given a boost to primary health care in rural areas.

"I want to assure you that our government will keep making efforts to make the future of you children safe and secure," he added.

The National Cancer Institute campus is expected to be completed at a cost of Rs. 20 billion within a period of three and a half years, the release said.

The institute will have 710 beds and will employ a total of 550 doctors and 2,200 nurses.