In a significant step towards improving childhood cancer treatment, the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CanKids KidsCan, a leading national organisation dedicated to childhood cancer care.
The MoU was signed by Dr Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Health Services, in the presence of Poonam Bagai, Founder-Chairperson of CanKids KidsCan, at the Directorate of Health Services. The partnership outlines comprehensive support for pediatric cancer care, including early detection and referral, diagnosis and treatment facilitation, financial security for children and families, holistic care, awareness campaigns, and patient-centred research.
Poonam Bagai expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that the agreement will help establish Odisha as a regional centre for childhood cancer treatment in eastern India.
The signing ceremony was moderated by Additional Director Dr Susanta Swain and attended by senior government officials, representatives from medical institutions, pediatric oncologists, childhood cancer survivors, CanKids team members, and local civil society partners from organisations like the National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India and Umid.
CanKids has been operating in Odisha since 2018, partnering with AIIMS Bhubaneswar and private hospitals to provide services. In 2023, it launched a State Care Coordination Centre (SCCC) and a Home Away from Home (HAH) facility in Bhubaneswar, enhancing support for patients. Currently, the organisation assists over 1,000 children annually with treatment and holistic care.
This MoU is expected to further streamline access to quality care, building on CanKids’ nationwide efforts to improve survival rates and support for children battling cancer.
