State may adopt Tata Memorials care model for cancer patients
Mumbai: Inspired by the Tata Memorial Hospitals model of homebased care for terminally-ill cancer patients, the state plans to rework its 30-year-old cancer care programme for the state. For the past five years, professionals from Mumbais premier cancer institute have been doing home calls, armed with medicine and advice to alleviate pain for the suffering. The purpose is to provide palliative or holistic care in the advanced stages of cancer when a patient no longer responds to curative treatment.
Since 80% of cases are detected in advanced stages, experts say the burden can no longer be borne only by hospitals. Besides, care in the comfort of their homes serve patients and grief-stricken families better.
The home-care service has become so popular that the government now plans to use it to rejuvenate its 30-year-old statewide cancer care programme (SCCP). The Tata Memorial model will be replicated across all districts so that patients dont have to rush to Mumbai for help.
We are training doctors and nurses in the districts to create a network of hospitals which can provide provide home-based palliative care, said Dr Mary Ann Muckaden, Tata Hospitals professor of radiation oncology. The hospital has already trained professionals in 18 hospitals.
Since 80% of cases are detected in advanced stages, experts say the burden can no longer be borne only by hospitals. Besides, care in the comfort of their homes serve patients and grief-stricken families better.
The home-care service has become so popular that the government now plans to use it to rejuvenate its 30-year-old statewide cancer care programme (SCCP). The Tata Memorial model will be replicated across all districts so that patients dont have to rush to Mumbai for help.
We are training doctors and nurses in the districts to create a network of hospitals which can provide provide home-based palliative care, said Dr Mary Ann Muckaden, Tata Hospitals professor of radiation oncology. The hospital has already trained professionals in 18 hospitals.
Publication: Times of India, Mumbai; Date: Jan 26, 2006; Section: Times City ; Page Number: 7