Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) has mobilised ₹2.8 crore through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives over the past four years.
This fund aims to support the educational aspirations of 918 paediatric cancer survivors, enabling them to pursue higher studies in fields ranging from medicine to computer science. The initiative underscores TMH’s commitment to not only treating cancer but also ensuring a quality life for survivors post-treatment. A notable beneficiary of this programme is a 19-year-old biomedical engineering student from Badlapur, who overcame acute lymphoblastic leukaemia diagnosed at 18 months. TMH has covered her tuition fees and pledged continued financial support throughout her education. She is among 40 engineering students who have received scholarships from the hospital in the last four years.
In the fiscal year 2024-25 alone, TMH allocated ₹1.4 crore to assist 421 students previously treated at its seven centres nationwide. This initiative aligns with the hospital’s broader mission to support childhood cancer survivors, especially during June, recognised as Childhood Cancer Survivor Month. TMH, operating under the Department of Atomic Energy, registered 3,876 children aged 0-15 for treatment across its facilities. With approximately 75,000 new childhood cancer cases diagnosed annually in India, accounting for about 3–4% of all cancer cases, the hospital’s role in treatment and post-care support is pivotal.
The After Completion of Therapy (ACT) clinics at TMH have 5,681 paediatric cancer survivors registered for follow-ups, with 65% being male. While the majority of beneficiaries hail from Maharashtra, 35% come from other states, reflecting the hospital’s pan-India impact. Education has emerged as a transformative aspect of TMH’s survivorship programme. What began as a modest effort through the ImPaCCT School Programme has evolved into a robust educational support system, aiming to restore confidence and promote academic achievement among young survivors.
The ImPaCCT Foundation, established in 2010, has been instrumental in reducing treatment abandonment rates in paediatric cancer care from 25% in 2008 to just 2% in recent years. By integrating medical treatments with socio-economic interventions such as housing, education, nutrition, and counselling, the foundation has significantly improved outcomes for children with cancer. TMH’s comprehensive approach to cancer care, encompassing treatment, education, and psychosocial support, sets a benchmark for holistic healthcare. As the number of childhood cancer survivors grows, initiatives like these are crucial in ensuring their long-term well-being and successful reintegration into society.
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