Raipur, October 28. The National Health Mission (NHM) and ECHO India have jointly launched a cancer survivorship care program to enhance oncology services across Chhattisgarh.

A pre-launch and orientation session for the Cancer Survivorship CCB ECHO Program was organized for medical officers, drawing 49 participants. The initiative focuses on delivering quality and continuous healthcare services to patients who have completed their cancer treatment.

Post-treatment care requires regular follow-ups, management of treatment side effects, physical and mental health support, and rehabilitation. The training program equips medical officers to address these aspects, ensuring comprehensive care and proper guidance for patients after cancer treatment.

Dr. Sanjeev Meshram, Deputy Director of NP-NCD, and Abhilasha Sharma, State Consultant, attended the orientation session. Both officials highlighted the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, post-treatment patient care, and regular follow-ups. They stated that providing continuous health services and holistic care to patients after treatment is essential, adding that such training programs will strengthen cancer care services in the state.

Dr. Shekhar Govardhan served as a resource person on behalf of the CHIP Foundation, which is supporting the program as its academic hub.

The training curriculum comprises eight modules. The course builds the capacity of medical officers to understand the needs of cancer survivors, enabling them to provide regular monitoring, essential health services, and proper guidance.

Dr. Sandeep Bhalla, Vice President of Projects, Anila Goswami, Deputy General Manager of Projects, and Dr. Karan Rai, Senior General Manager of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research, participated on behalf of ECHO India. The event acknowledged the guidance and support of Dr. Sandeep Bhalla and Anila Goswami in successfully initiating the program in the state.

The initiative marks a significant step towards improving post-treatment healthcare services and providing continuous, comprehensive care for cancer survivors in Chhattisgarh.