CMC&H in collaboration with Cankids commemorated International Childhood Cancer Day 2021 

Ludhiana: Christian Medical College & Hospital, in collaboration with Cankids, a PAN India NGO commemorated International Childhood Cancer Day 2021 today.

A 3-hour workshop for training ASHA and ANM workers from Ludhiana was organised and a total of 10 ASHA, 10 ANMS and 8 Community Health Workers employed by CMC joined the workshop. Punjab is facing a high burden of Childhood Cancer and Cancer in general.

Civil Surgeon Ludhiana, Dr. Sukhjiwan Kakkar was the honourable Chief Guest for the event. Dr. William Bhatti, Director, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, felicitated the Chief Guest and Medical Officer. Dr. Puneet Sidhu. 

The Director welcomed the Civil Surgeon and while addressing the audience, shared how CMC has been continually involved in educating peripheral health workers and the benefits of the same. 

The Civil Surgeon, in his address, mentioned various responsive Govt. policies like Ayushman Bharat and Mukh Mantri Cancer Rahat Kosh Yojna, which are currently available for Cancer patients. He also talked about the Patient Centric Plans that the Government plans to roll out in the future. 

Dr. Joseph John, HOD, Clinical Haematology, emphasised that the reason for the Workshop was to help establish a relationship with the ASHA – ANM workers and the Hospital.  He reiterated the importance for the hospital to integrate with the grass root health workers, to create awareness of the services and amenities provided by the medical facility. He also empathised ‘better survival is achievable through timely and accurate diagnosis.’ 

Dr. Balbeer from Cankids trained the workers on facilities provided by Cankids to support children with cancer and their families.

Dr. Pratibha Dhiman, Asst. Professor, Clinical Haematology trained the participants on early detection of blood diseases and cures available.  She mentioned that blood diseases are very often fatal and require a long duration treatment, thus govt. should help arrange funds for patients who are unable to afford timely treatment.

All the 20 ASHA and ANM, were taken on a tour of CMC Hospital facilities - Transplant Unit, Medical Oncology OPD, Radiology, Day care for chemo’s and CMC Hospital’s Heritage Centre, to acquaint them on the age-old history of the Hospital.
Lastly, lunch was served for all attendees and were dispersed with a token of thanks with CMC memento and brochure.