The project is spearheaded by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in association with National Informatics Centre (NIC), Department of Information Technology, Government of India and aims at bringing cancer care to towns and villages in India where such services are lacking.
This is achieved by connecting Regional Cancer Centres (RCC), equipped with best cancer treatment facilities and dedicated doctors and health care professionals, with various Government Hospitals such as District hospitals, Taluk hospitals, etc. which are designated as peripheral cancer treatment delivery points (PCCs) using advanced Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Such designated PCCs act as “virtual” extension of the RCCs using telemedicine tools and ICTs. Thus, cancer patients in places far away from the RCCs can avail consultation services with RCC specialists using OncoNET telemedicine software by visiting the nearest OncoNET centre manned by a doctor and a assistant at PCC.
It is envisaged that this will save patients time, effort and money that otherwise they need to incur in traveling long distances to reach RCCs to avail consultation, early detection, management and treatment follow-up, as well as various other uncertainty aspects.
Components of the program include:
Follow up Monitoring and Palliative care of cancer patients who have undergone treatment
Early Detection of cancer among the rural population
Screening of women for Cervical Cancer using PAP smear test and Colposcopic examination
Treatment for early stage cervical cancer using Cryosurgery
Provides the service of specialist doctors of reputed hospitals, near the patient’s location
Create awareness on various diseases and methods of preventions to the rural population
