Odisha Medical Experts Champion Holistic Cancer Care Approach
In a significant development for healthcare in eastern India, medical professionals and public health experts in Odisha are advocating for a fundamental transformation in cancer care philosophy. Rather than continuing with conventional approaches that primarily concentrate on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment protocols, these specialists are pushing for a comprehensive people-centered model that addresses the multifaceted challenges cancer patients face.
Beyond Hospital Walls: The Need for Continuous Support
Experts emphasize that universal and continuous cancer care is absolutely essential for improving clinical outcomes, reducing patient distress, and ensuring individuals receive meaningful support that extends far beyond hospital visits. This innovative approach would significantly alleviate the burden on families, enhance treatment adherence rates, and make cancer care services in the state more responsive to the actual realities patients encounter in their daily lives.
"Cancer care cannot and should not conclude with chemotherapy sessions or surgical procedures," stated Dr. Ghanashyam Biswas, a senior medical oncologist practicing in Bhubaneswar. "Patients require sustained, long-term support that encompasses psychological counseling, personalized nutrition guidance, physical rehabilitation services, and practical assistance navigating complex financial and social challenges."
Dr. Biswas further explained the necessity for individualized care, noting that each cancer diagnosis presents unique characteristics, and consequently, each patient's treatment requirements and support system needs differ substantially. "While one patient might require aggressive chemotherapy, another might benefit more from targeted immunotherapy. This variability underscores why genuinely people-centric cancer care is not just preferable but necessary," he elaborated.
Addressing Systemic Hurdles and Prevention
Late detection timelines and significant gaps in follow-up care remain formidable obstacles, particularly affecting patients from rural communities and low-income backgrounds. "When cancer screening is delayed or treatment regimens are interrupted due to travel difficulties, financial constraints, or social stigma, survival probabilities decrease dramatically," observed Dr. Niranjan Mishra, a noted public health expert. "A robust people-centered model effectively links early detection initiatives with consistent long-term follow-up protocols and community-based support networks."
Dr. Mishra also highlighted the critical role of environmental factors, occupational exposures, tobacco consumption, and lifestyle choices in determining cancer risk profiles. He urged state authorities to implement stronger prevention measures alongside expanding treatment infrastructure. "Public awareness campaigns must be strategically paired with practical accessibility—ensuring screening facilities are available closer to residential areas, establishing timely referral mechanisms, and providing clear, actionable information to patients' families," he recommended.
Government Initiatives and Future Directions
Susanta Kumar Swain, the Additional Director of Health Services for Non-Communicable Diseases in Odisha, detailed the state government's expanded efforts to enhance cancer care delivery. These initiatives include widespread awareness drives, strengthening diagnostic and treatment facilities across the region, and organizing regular cancer screening camps in various districts.
He acknowledged that socioeconomic factors—including household income levels, available support systems, and general living conditions—play a crucial role in determining cancer recovery trajectories. While state-run hospitals provide free treatment to economically disadvantaged patients, and Ayushman Bharat health cards facilitate access to private hospital care, the government is actively developing broader support frameworks. "The administration is systematically preparing all necessary domains to deliver authentic people-centered cancer care," Swain affirmed.
The current governmental focus remains on improving healthcare access and encouraging early detection, especially for commonly occurring cancers. A notable collaboration involves partnering with an organization that established 'Home Away Home' facilities for children undergoing cancer treatment. "These specialized shelter homes provide safe accommodation, nutritious food, and conducive living conditions throughout their medical treatment duration," he added.
Community Response and Advocacy
Health activists and patient advocates have welcomed these progressive initiatives while simultaneously stressing the imperative for continuity of care. This includes implementing patient navigation services, integrating palliative care into mainstream treatment plans, and establishing coordinated referral systems between healthcare providers.
"A truly equitable cancer care system is one that consistently follows the patient throughout their entire journey—from initial screening and diagnosis through active treatment and into long-term survivorship," emphasized Aswini Darjee, a cancer survivor and dedicated health activist from the region.
The collective call from Odisha's medical community represents a growing recognition that effective cancer management requires moving beyond purely clinical interventions to embrace holistic strategies that address the biological, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of this complex disease.
