Workforce and Training

Chairs

Vikramjit Kanwar

Chief of Paediatric Oncology

HBCH, Varanasi

Sindhu Nair

Nursing Superintendent

TMH, Parel

Goal Statement

To develop and implement training and accreditation of all verticals of pediatric oncology workforce.

Key Focus Areas

National nursing Conference 2024.
Psychologist - List existing training opportunities.
Research and Registry staff - List existing training opportunities.
Social workers - List existing training opportunities.
PHO - List existing training opportunities.
Palliative care staff - List existing training opportunities.
Nutritionists - List existing training opportunities.
Nursing Manuscript.
Creation of Nursing Apex body and core team - IPHONA.
Nursing Baseline standards.
Nursing - Assess and Map workforce.
PHO - Assess and Map workforce.
National nursing Conference 2025.
Nursing - Plan development of new training opportunities.
Palliative care staff - Plan development of new training opportunities.
Nursing ICON Project.
Nutritionists - Plan development of new training opportunities.
Collate PHO fellowships and match with Job Opportunities.
Nutritionists - Assess and Map workforce.
Social workers - Assess and Map workforce.
Psychologist -Assess and Map workforce.
Palliative care staff - Assess and Map workforce.
Research and Registry staff - Plan development of new training opportunities.
Social workers - Plan development of new training opportunities.
Sanction and then fill posts in tertiary and state tun hospitals e.g. AIIMS, TCCC, SCI should have ped onc.

Glimpses of Work

Context

During the National Pediatric Haematology Oncology Nursing Conference held on 19th to 20th February 2024, participants identified the need to establish a dedicated professional organization for pediatric hemato-oncology nurses in India. This body would serve as a platform to empower nurses to define, advocate and promote the highest standards of care for children affected by cancer.

Purpose

The Nursing Core Group Meeting aimed to advance the initiative of forming a national nursing body, review progress since the national conference and plan future activities to strengthen pediatric hemato-oncology nursing practices in India.

What We Have Done

A closed group meeting of 15 participants was convened on 2nd September 2024 at Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai, to take this work forward. Key discussions included:

Reviewing feedback from the national nursing conference and outlining next steps.
Discussing the proposed constitution of the nursing group.
Planning for the next national nursing conference.
Assessing baseline standards of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology nursing care in India.
Developing a nursing training module and related content for the ICCI website.
Proposing the formation of a separate nursing body, including its name, vision, mission, and objectives.

Next Steps

Finalize the constitution and proceed with the registration of the proposed nursing body.
Develop and pilot the PHO nursing training module.
Prepare for the next national nursing conference to continue capacity building and networking.
Strengthen collaboration among institutions to enhance nursing standards and education in pediatric oncology care across India.

Context

Paediatric oncology nursing plays a crucial role in improving the quality of care and outcomes for children with cancer. There is a growing need to build capacity, standardize training, and provide a professional platform for nurses across India to strengthen their skills, share experiences, and enhance collaboration within the pediatric oncology community.

Purpose

The 4th National Paediatric Oncology Nursing Conference was organized to strengthen paediatric oncology nursing care in India and to celebrate World Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and International Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses Day. The conference aimed to empower nurses and allied professionals with updated knowledge, compassionate care practices, and a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric cancer care.

What We Have Done

The conference was held on 17th to 19th September 2025 at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. Key highlights included:

Launch of the Pediatric Oncology Nursing Association under the Paediatric Hemato-Oncology (PHO) Chapter of IAP.
Development of a competency-based pediatric oncology nursing curriculum, designed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of nurses in the field.

These initiatives mark a significant step toward addressing the growing demand for skilled pediatric oncology nurses and ensuring that children receive safe, effective, and compassionate care across India

Next Steps

Operationalize the newly launched Pediatric Oncology Nursing Association and expand membership across regions.
Finalize and pilot the competency-based training curriculum in collaboration with leading pediatric oncology centers.
Continue capacity-building efforts through workshops, mentorship programs, and institutional partnerships to enhance pediatric oncology nursing standards nationwide.