Fivefold Increase in Cancer Patients in Eight Years
AIIMS Rishikesh has adopted the National Health Mission’s Hub-and-Spoke model to ensure cancer patients don’t abandon treatment due to lack of facilities. Since the establishment of its oncology department in 2016, the daily patient count has surged from 40 to over 200. Nationwide, 14 to 15 lakh new cancer cases emerge annually, creating an urgent need for efficient treatment models.
How the Hub-and-Spoke Model Works
This model connects major hospitals (hubs) with district-level healthcare centers (spokes). AIIMS acts as the hub, performing surgeries and chemotherapy, while trained local medical staff handle follow-up care at nearby hospitals. This reduces travel time, costs, and patient stress, ensuring timely treatment.
Research Insights and Benefits
A study by AIIMS revealed that most of the 172 patients who discontinued treatment cited social and financial barriers. Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the research highlights the model’s potential to address these issues. Dr. Deepak Sundriyal, AIIMS Oncology, emphasized that the model not only provides care closer to home but also reduces the burden on major hospitals.
Advantages for Patients
- Accessible Care: Treatment is available closer to patients’ homes.
- Economic Relief: Reduced travel and lodging expenses.
- Continuous Support: Beneficial for patients lacking caretakers.
The Hub-and-Spoke model is a crucial step toward improving cancer care accessibility in India, ensuring more patients can complete their treatment.
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