The Andhra Pradesh Comprehensive Cancer Care (APCCC) project proposes to build the country’s largest cancer hospice centre in Tirupati, with 100 beds. This is in addition to the proposed ‘Balaji Institute of Oncology’ at SVIMS, which will specialise in pediatric cancer care, bone marrow transplants, and cancer genome research.
Tirupati into a medical tourism hub
The Balaji Institute will also serve as an international cancer treatment facility. Overall, the project intends to turn Tirupati into a medical tourism hub.
A centre of excellence in nuclear medicine will be established in Visakhapatnam.
Authority to initiate public-private partnership projects at various levels
The APCCC has also proposed establishing a comprehensive cancer care directorate to recruit senior officials to lead prevention and treatment initiatives. The directorate has the authority to initiate public-private partnership projects at various levels to ensure the proper development of physical infrastructure, mammogram buses, academic research, and training.
Under this project, the state government may also explore avenues of external funding through international agencies, officials said.
AP Comprehensive Cancer care follows a three-pronged approach
Special secretary, medical and health department, Naveen Kumar, said the AP Comprehensive Cancer care follows a three-pronged approach, including prevention, treatment, and pain and palliative care.
“Awareness is the key element in eradicating the disease. It includes basic knowledge about the disease as well as the diagnosis with which it can be addressed. There are some instances where patients are not even aware about the cancer care facility available in the government setup, and the services they can avail through Aarogyasri for the cancer treatment and follow-up. Every ‘Aarogya Mitra’ and volunteers of village/ward secretariats will be trained for patient’s navigation under APCCC,” said Naveen Kumar.
The special secretary added the APCCC is aimed at creating awareness and acceptance. “It will enable availability, accessibility and affordability of cancer care at all levels for all public,” said Naveen Kumar
