BMC deploys 24 cancer patient navigators across Mumbai wards
On Friday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced the deployment of 24 trained medical professionals as Cancer Patient Navigators across its 24 administrative wards in Mumbai. The announcement was made during a graduation ceremony held at Tata Memorial Hospital. The initiative aims to ensure that cancer patients do not discontinue their treatment after diagnosis by guiding them through treatment, counseling, referrals, and follow-up care.
The 24 medical professionals were already part of the civic body's cancer screening programme. They have now received specialised training through the Tata Memorial Centre's (TMC) Patient Navigation in Oncology Care Programme. This specialised training equips the navigators to provide comprehensive support to cancer patients at every stage of their treatment.
Dr. Daksha Shah, the Executive Health Officer of the BMC, spoke at the graduation ceremony about the challenges patients face. She explained that many patients feel overwhelmed and lost after being referred to tertiary care centres such as TMC.
"Our navigators will handhold patients from the time they are diagnosed," Dr. Shah said. "They will ensure patients do not feel isolated or lost, help families reach the appropriate specialist, explain treatment options, costs and available government support schemes, facilitate referrals and motivate patients to continue treatment."
The Patient Navigation in Oncology Care Programme was jointly conducted by TMC and ECHO India under the Cancer Care Bharat initiative. The programme is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to identify barriers to care, coordinate medical referrals, and improve the continuity of treatment.
Dr. R.A. Badwe, Professor Emeritus and former Director of TMC, highlighted the necessity of this support. He shared that a study involving nearly 3,000 cancer patients demonstrated the value of dedicated patient navigators. According to Dr. Badwe, patients view these navigators as part of the medical team, while the medical team trusts them as an extension of the patient's family.
Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director of TMC, added that India's ageing population and the rising burden of cancer necessitate innovative models of healthcare delivery. He noted that the ECHO model and dedicated Patient Navigators will improve access to cancer treatment while ensuring healthier ageing and equitable healthcare for citizens.
