NITI Aayog’s Member (Health) M. Srinivas praised the successful attainment of nearly universal access to retinoblastoma care, hailing it as a model worthy of global emulation. Speaking at a National Retinoblastoma Conclave in New Delhi, Srinivas commended India for demonstrating how collaborative, patient-centered systems can ensure widespread childhood cancer care even in resource-limited settings.
In a video message, Srinivas lauded Fight Retinoblastoma India as a remarkable example of stakeholder collaboration in healthcare. Dr. Pankaj Arora, Director of the National Health Authority (NHA), highlighted India’s significant strides in enhancing retinoblastoma care access and emphasized the need for complete financial protection for all children and families.
Poonam Bagai, a member of the ICMR Central Ethics Committee on Human Research and representative of Childhood Cancer International’s WHO South East Asia Region, underscored the progress made in retinoblastoma care through collective efforts involving clinicians, survivors, parents, researchers, government, hospitals, and civil society. She advocated for the establishment of a National Retinoblastoma Helpdesk and Expert Network to achieve high survival rates and financial security for affected individuals and families.
Doctor Santosh Honavar proposed the launch of a “National Retinoblastoma Programme” and the expansion of tertiary treatment centers to enhance treatment outcomes. Panelists at the conclave urged the National Health Authority to revise package rates for expensive retinoblastoma treatments and called for waivers on GST and customs duties for diagnostic and treatment equipment, as well as exemptions on chemotherapy drug imports.
