Access to Care

Chairs

Shruti Kakkar

Professor

CMC, Ludhiana

Dhanshri Pradhan

Head Project Operations Palliative Care

Cipla Foundation

Goal Statement

To develop early recognition manual and referral pathways, networks and linkages in each state to improve access to childhood cancer care.

Key Focus Areas

  • Development of Early Recognition Manual and Implementation Study (Ongoing).
  • Defining guidelines for paediatric cancer centres and shared care standards.
  • Establishing multidisciplinary teams and tumour boards in all paediatric centres.
  • Integrating referral pathways into existing government health programs.
  • Agree on data ownership and hosting structure.
  • Update information on mapping and resources and publish in public domain.
  • Identify pathways for dissemination through the ICCI website and government channels.

Glimpses of Work

Context

Early diagnosis is key to improving survival rates for childhood cancer in India. Many cases are diagnosed late due to low awareness and limited training at the primary healthcare level. The Early Recognition Manual and Implementation Study aims to strengthen early identification through capacity building, resource development, and evidence generation.

Purpose

To develop standardized recognition and referral guidelines and create a training model for healthcare workers across districts.

What We Have Done
  • Post-April workshop, feedbacks were incorporated into the manual.
  • Opportunities for pilot testing were explored.
  • First round of pilot training conducted in Bargarh District, Odisha on September 6, 2025.
  • Training involved 53 participants including CDMO, CHC Superintendents, PHC and CHC Medical Officers, and paediatricians.
  • Organized in collaboration with multiple NGOs and trusts (CANKIDS, Umeedein Odisha, Fighters Group, Rotary Club, etc.).
  • Training delivered by paediatric oncology experts from SUM Hospital, KIMS, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and others.
Next Steps
  • Organize refresher session in Bargarh district with IEC material dissemination.
  • Initiate first round of early recognition training in Kalahandi district (scheduled for Oct–Nov 2025).
  • Finalize Early Recognition and Referral Pathway document.
  • Develop operational guidelines for training and dissemination.
  • Establish monitoring and evaluation framework for implementation study.

Context

A critical barrier to improving childhood cancer outcomes in India is the absence of a comprehensive and up-to-date mapping of centers treating children with cancer. A global mapping exercise was initiated by PAHO, IAP, SIOP & Resonance to document and visualize the existing infrastructure, services, and workforce capacity. This mapping enables better planning, referral linkages, and network strengthening across states.

Purpose

To collate and analyze data from treatment centers across India to create a national database and facilitate evidence-based planning for service delivery.

What We Have Done
  • Mapping subgroup created from task force members.
  • Data received from 128 centers and analysis of 108 centers completed.
  • Findings presented during Early Recognition and Referral Pathway event.
  • ICCI mapping analysis estimates treatment of approximately 13,722 children per year.
Next Steps

Continue and complete national mapping exercise.

  • Define guidelines for paediatric cancer centres and shared care networks.
  • Set paediatric oncology service standards.
  • Update curriculum to include early diagnosis and referral training.
  • Utilize existing NT-PPO for training of Pediatrician for early recognition of childhood cancer.
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