New 'Home Away from Home' Facility Inaugurated in Noida for Pediatric Cancer Patients
A significant patient-support facility offering comprehensive free services for children undergoing cancer treatment and bone marrow transplantation (BMT), along with their caregivers, has been officially inaugurated near the Post Graduate Institute of Child Health in Noida. Named Home Away from Home, this center is strategically located approximately 800 metres from the hospital in Sector 31, specifically designed to assist families who travel extensive distances for prolonged medical care.
Addressing Critical Needs for Distant Families
Developed through a collaboration between the NGO Access Life and the institute, the facility aims to tackle the severe logistical and financial burdens faced by families of pediatric oncology patients. A senior doctor from the institute highlighted the urgency of this initiative, stating, "More than 80% of children receiving cancer and BMT care at our institute travel from beyond 100 kilometres, often necessitating extended stays near the hospital." This underscores the critical need for such supportive infrastructure to ensure continuous treatment without interruptions.
Comprehensive Free Services Offered
The facility will be entirely free of cost for patients of Child PGI and will be managed by Access Life. It features:
- 14 rooms providing accommodation for both children and their caregivers.
- Daily meals and access to a shared kitchen stocked with essential rations.
- Services from a trained teacher, counsellor, and a full-time coordinator to help families navigate treatment schedules and related needs.
- A dedicated vehicle arranged for patient transport between the facility and the hospital.
Enhancing Treatment Outcomes Through Integrated Support
Dr. AK Singh, Director of Child PGI, emphasized the broader impact of this initiative, explaining, "The model integrates non-medical support such as nutrition, counselling, and logistical assistance, which doctors say play a crucial role in long-term cancer care, particularly for economically weaker families." By reducing treatment interruptions caused by accommodation issues, the facility aims to significantly improve patient outcomes and provide a holistic care environment.
Inauguration and Initial Beneficiaries
The facility was inaugurated by Dr. Singh in the presence of key medical officials, including Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Mukul Jain, Dr. Jyotsna Madan (Head of Pathology), and Dr. Nita Radhakrishnan (Head of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology), along with representatives from Access Life. Among the first beneficiaries is Naitik, an eight-year-old post-BMT patient from Pratapgarh diagnosed with relapsed myeloid leukaemia, who is expected to shift to the facility, marking a hopeful start for many families in similar situations.
