Access to affordable and accessible cancer care is a critical concern for patients and their families. In an effort to address this challenge and reduce the prevalence of preventable forms of cancer, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) has launched the project “Access to Affordable Cancer Care for One and All” in partnership with the Public Health Department of Maharashtra. The project aims to enhance cancer care services at district government institutes, making cancer treatment more reachable and affordable.
The initiative was introduced on a pilot basis in six districts of Maharashtra in June 2016. Following the successful implementation of Phase-I in these districts, the project has now been extended to cover the remaining districts of Maharashtra.
On July 31, 2023, Dr. Rajendra Badwe (Director of TMC), Dr. Shripad Banavali (Director of Academics, TMC), Dr. Vijay Baviskar (Joint Director, NCD, Public Health Department of Maharashtra), and Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi (Deputy Director, Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Professor, Head and Neck Oncology Surgeon, TMC, and Director of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies) officially announced the commencement of Phase-II of the project across the remaining districts of the state.
To mark World Head and Neck Cancer Day, which is observed on July 27 every year, a scientific workshop was organized for Dental Surgeons by Tata Memorial Centre and the Public Health Department of Maharashtra under the “Access to Affordable Cancer Care for One and All” Project.
During the workshop’s inaugural function, an interim project report was unveiled by the dignitaries present. Additionally, to strengthen oral cancer services at the district level, the official launch of “Maharashtra Oral Cancer Warriors” took place.
The Maharashtra Cancer Warriors (MCWs) is a voluntary group of oncologists who are alumni of TMC and are practicing in various districts. MCWs have taken the initiative to offer free services in Medical and Surgical oncology at District Civil Hospitals.
Dr. Rajendra Badwe, Director of TMC, applauded the Public Health Department of Maharashtra for their efforts in cancer prevention and capacity building of health services staff, as well as the establishment of cancer day care centers in district civil hospitals.
Dr. Vijay Baviskar, Joint Director of NCD and Chief Guest at the event, outlined the cancer control activities carried out by the Public Health Department of Maharashtra in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre.
Dr. Shripad Banavali, Director of Academics at TMC, highlighted the significance of NCD screening and outlined strategies to improve cancer care services at the district level.
Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi explained the rationale behind launching the Maharashtra Oral Cancer Warriors and elaborated on cancer control activities conducted under the “Access to Affordable Cancer Care for One and All” initiative.
The scientific workshop saw participation from 200 delegates from the Public Health Department of Maharashtra, doctors from Government Dental Colleges, and other private associations. The workshop featured a live demonstration of identifying premalignant and malignant conditions of oral cancer, as well as demonstrations of oral biopsy techniques by Head and Neck Cancer surgeons. This collaborative effort between Tata Memorial and the Public Health Department of Maharashtra aims to enhance cancer care accessibility and affordability across the state’s districts.
