Union Health Ministry recently organised a national workshop on 'Roadmap for Cancer Treatment,' in New Delhi.

Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary identified framing, sharing and adherence to evidence-based common Standards of Protocols for critical care management as another learning for cancer management. These can guide the restructuring and refinement of the National Cancer Control Programme of the Union Health Ministry, he noted. 

He mentioned that capacity building needs to be ensured with clear communication with all stakeholders and feedback procedures put in place. “We need to adapt and promote health technology and prevention and treatment of cancer such as telemedicine for improved access to care,” he stressed. 

"Various 'Hub and Spoke' models implemented in some states such as Assam, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar can be emulated by other states, along with detailed mapping of the facilities with the granular planning of healthcare delivery," he suggested.

Sessions on the following topics were organised in the one-day national workshop organised by Union Health Ministry:

i. Infrastructure and human resources for cancer care in India

ii. Affordability of Cancer Care in India

iii. Best practices for cancer care by states

iv. Review of ongoing projects and related issues