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Reports |
CPAA’s
annual review was held on 24th January, 2004. A report follows. Beginning
2001, CPAA’s annual meeting has become a regular feature. Each
department is given the opportunity to present the work they have done
during the previous year. This year it was agreed that it would be more
profitable if each person were asked to highlight the problems they had
faced when interacting with a particular department. Individuals were
encouraged to be free and frank and a meaningful dialogue with positive
conclusions resulted. The
meeting began with a presentation by the Delhi branch representative,
Ms. Soniya Malhotra, AGM Projects. Soniya reported that the branch had
seen a step increase in their activities during the last year. The branch
supported the treatment of 1027 chemotherapy patients against 763 in 2002.
7 new patients were assisted under CPAA’s “Adopt-A-Cancer-Patient”
Scheme. There was an increase in the number of camps and awareness
lectures including a yellow ribbon campaign for World No Tobacco day,
chosen to represent the colour of the stains left due to tobacco chewing.
11 early detection camps were organized and interactive sessions were held
with doctors from Apollo Hospital. The ad agency Euro RSCG provided a
great deal of free support to our efforts. A major triumph was the
inauguration of our Rose Day by the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee
who gave out toys and roses to the children. 100 patients were taken on an
hour-long plane ride. A special show of “Kuch Na Kaho” was held at PVR
Cinema. On the occasion of Children’s Day, patients were taken to see
“Koi Mil Gaya”. A Christmas party was organized. Shobhana Narayan,
well-known dancer and friend of CPAA entertained 200 patients at India
International Centre. Sushma Seth took 50 patients for a special screening
of “Kal Ho Na Ho”. Essex Farms hosted a fun filled party for patients.
Shobha De flew all the way from Mumbai to attend an immensely successful
fashion show. CPAA continues to generate sizeable funds by collecting
newspapers from corporates and residential localities. Ms.
Sarla Kohli was called upon to present the review of Bangalore branch activities.
She presented her report while pointing out that after 35 years, there is
now a need to rejuvenate the organization. A national identity would help
to draw a larger audience as was seen from the example of Rose Day, which
has become a national event. For example, home care for cancer patients is
a field where CPAA can make a difference. In Bangalore alone, there are
6000 patients who need some form of home care, while the only hospice has
only 300 beds. She also suggested centralised disbursement and event
management so that we can learn from the experiences of each branch and
develop a common strategy. Representatives
of the Diagnostics department comprising Neeta, Kirti, Rupali,
Minal, Anagha, Valsa, Susan, Jolly, Vimla and Rajshree then took the stage
to respond to the questions posed regarding their performance. A
fundraiser suggested that camps for large corporate donors should be done
free of charge. Neeta More responded by saying that the department tries
to organize the camps for the benefit of the lower financial strata. This
year an initiative was made to organize camps in Dharavi. Wherever
possible we must get funds from those who can afford to pay for those who
cannot. It was felt that the charges, which have recently been increased
to Rs. 80 per check-up on working days and Rs. 100 on holidays, were
excessive. Neeta explained that the real cost of disposables, doctors’
gratuities, transport, etc is Rs. 250 per head, so the charges are already
heavily subsidized. In
spite of increased charge, compared to other organizations, because of the
professionalism shown, our prompt follow up and timely distribution of
reports, the response has been very good and the department is fully
booked until April. In fact it was suggested that due to the increased
numbers of camps, employees are over burdened and the quality may actually
be suffering. Neeta responded saying we limit screenings to a manageable
100 per camp and they have always received good feedback. Dr. Shashi Bakre,
CPAA Medical Director, mentioned that arranging camps is difficult since a
number of factors must be organized, so one must make the most of each
opportunity. Staff support can be pulled in when required. This year 47%
of the individuals who came for a check up required follow-up treatment of
some kind. Depending on the findings, the patient may be asked to go to a
suitable hospital. Every investigation is taken to a conclusive end. The
Naigaon Diagnostic center was asked about HIV testing. Ms. Valsa Peter
explained that we do the Western Blot test only, not the confirmatory
ELISA. About 8-10 patients every day from the BMC maternity hospital, are
now being sent to us. For those who cannot afford, she said that some
amount of free and subsidized charges is extended. Employees may recommend
deserving patients who will be tested free of charge, but each employee
must act responsibly in this matter as the lab must be run as a business
center. We cannot extend such a facility in every case. 500 women will be
offered free check-ups under the Well Women’s Clinic scheme. Women from
the lower economic strata presenting with suspicious lumps will be given
free sonography, Pap smear test and wherever necessary biopsy charges will
also be reimbursed.
Mr.
Y.K. Sapru summed up the session by saying that as the organization has
become bigger it is no longer possible to entertain freebies. Each
department must ensure their own financial viability to make it a
long-term success. The department has been eminently successful in
balancing employees seeking favours, the compulsions of large donors and
running a profitable service. The
Insurance department consists of Anita, Gorethi, Poonam, Anila,
Pragnya, Abhijit and Raju. The first question related to the rise in
premium rates that have increased twice in the past year. Anita explained
that this has been necessitated due to falling interest rates. We must
continue to meet premium payments from existing funds that do not give the
returns they used to give. Mrs. Hukku remarked that service is very poor
in the branches. Anita said that they are planning to limit the policy in
the future since they have found that reports from outstation screenings
are incomplete. Only 10 out of the present 23 detection centers are up to
our expectations. A new list is being prepared; individuals can also get
the first screening done in Mumbai. Mrs. Sarla Kohli suggested that since
individuals get unnecessary investigations done at CPAA expense, we could
agree to reimburse only those prescribed by New India Assurance. It was
pointed out that agent fees are dropping from 15% to 10% and 5% at
present. We no longer have surplus funds after paying premiums and
covering insurance department expenses, necessitating these changes. Since
we are getting enough applications for policies through word of mouth, we
have decided not to increase the number of agents beyond the present 84.
Mrs. Sapru asked whether we could provide cards to policyholders so that
they can get admitted without paying a deposit, as is the case in other
insurance policies. How would poor patients manage the initial payment?
Anita replied that all our policyholders have enough funds to cover such
an eventuality. Mrs. Gurtu suggested that we approach one of the new
private insurance companies. Mr. Sapru replied that CPAA has a unique MoU,
which allows us to renew policies for a detected cancer patient. Mr.
Sapru concluded by emphasising that while the insurance department
appeared to be cash rich it could become a liability in the future.
However, given our stated objective of “Total Management of Cancer”,
it should not be seen as a business at all, but part and parcel of our
mission statement. Mrunal,
Halima, Iva, Vinaya, Jennifer, Sonali, Pandu and Nitin represented the Patient
Care department. Mrunal explained how the activities in different
hospitals are coordinated. Until a few years ago, we only had activities
at Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH). We now have a presence at 5 other
locations. To ensure coordination, patient registration is centralized and
all the hospitals requirements are combined and met. Each patient’s case
is discussed thoroughly before registration. CPAA supports patients only
after the patient has paid for their own treatment for three months. This
system is also followed at TMH. The initial investment ensures that the
patient will go through the difficult periods of treatment. Patients are
registered in alternate months on the first working day. 10 cases from TMH
and 30 from other hospitals are registered. All employees were cautioned
not to make promises at any hospital they may visit independently without
consulting the Patient Care department.
It is difficult to ensure the veracity of what the patients state.
We try to check by speaking to the treating doctor or from visits to their
residence. In rare cases we have found patients who receive assistance
from multiple sources. We now make entries of donations given in the TMH
case file. Regular
reports are being sent to donors regarding the patient whose treatment
they are supporting. Mrunal said that often they are unaware when cheques
come for a particular patient. Such cheques could, in future, be sent to
the Patient Care department directly. If a donor desires, detailed reports
can be provided or the two could be introduced. Any queries on fund
utilization will also be answered in a timely fashion. If there are funds
left, the donor is asked whether they can be used for another
patient. Cancer Awareness ProgrammeMs. Neeta More gave an awareness lecture at Govandi
for health social workers. 25 women attended the talk. Prevention
and Early Detection 36 camps and OPDs were held during the month of
December and 41 during January. Camps were held at Punjab and Maharashtra
Bank (14), Union Bank of India, Churchgate (6), Khar Gymkhana; Aga Khan
Jamatkhana, Pune; Gharda Chemicals, Dombivli; Lions Club of Millenium,
Jogeshwari (4 each), HDFC Bank, Churchgate (3), Atma Jyot Charitable
Trust, Kandivli; Chandan Charitable Trust, Bhandup; BARC, Tarapur;
Shraddha Vihar Hospital, Andheri; Shraddhanand Mahila Ashram; Lions Club
of Kopri, Thane and Lions Club of Willingdon Crescent (2 each). A total of 1218 people, 717 males and 501 females
were screened in the camps and clinics in December and 1219 people, 517
males and 702 females in January. 604 people were advised follow up. 13
OPDs and clinics were held during each of the months. 197 males and 327
females were screened. 135 people were advised follow up. Two cases of breast cancer were detected during December at Naigaon OPD. A 41-year-old lady is now undergoing chemotherapy at TMH and a 50-year-old lady is undergoing treatment at Prince Ali Khan Hospital.
The Smt. Lila Kishanchand Shahani Clinical Diagnostic Centre screened 474 persons during December and 288 persons during January. 1574 tests were performed, out of which 1183 were pathology tests. 220 sonography, 77 x-ray and 83 mammography investigations were carried out. 11 ECGs were performed.
During December 77 people were examined, of whom 17 had come for the first check-up and 60 for renewal check up. Rs. 2,58,236 was disbursed towards the 4 claims settled during the month. During January 205 people were examined, out of whom 43 had come for the first check-up and 162 for renewal check-up. Rs. 1,65,010 was disbursed against the 3 claims made during the month. 178 claims have been settled to date. Three policyholders were detected with cancer during December. Two cases of breast cancer were detected. A 47-year-old lady is being treated at Jaslok Hospital and a 54-year-old lady is being treated at Parsi General Hospital. A 67-year-old lady was detected with brain tumour and is undergoing treatment at Lilavati Hospital. In January, one of our policyholders was detected with colon cancer. She is undergoing treatment at TMH. [Top]
Patient Care
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PATIENT CARE AND REHABILITATION (SUMMARY) |
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|
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Jan |
|
Total
no. of patients aided |
773 |
777 |
760 |
804 |
720 |
861 |
917 |
1048 |
|
Ambulance
service availed |
540 |
752 |
743 |
688 |
726 |
438 |
801 |
650 |
|
Visits
(hospital + home) |
13 |
26 |
14 |
14 |
5 |
8 |
813 |
8 |
|
Total
aid given (Rs lakhs) |
2.37 |
2.41 |
2.00 |
2.65 |
2.46 |
2.63 |
3.69 |
2.49 |
|
Medicine
(Rs lakhs) |
2.03 |
2.01 |
2.00 |
2.08 |
2.23 |
2.02 |
2.26 |
2.10 |
|
Patient
stipend (Rs lakhs) |
2.03 |
2.22 |
1.95 |
2.76 |
2.49 |
2.09 |
1.92 |
1.91 |
917 patients and 1048 patients were aided, counseled
and given guidance at our locations in Mumbai-Smt. Panadevi Dalmia Cancer
Management Centre; at Nair Hospital Radiation Centre; Cama & Albless,
Wadia and Tata Memorial Hospitals; and at Bharat Sevashram Sangh in
December and January respectively. Almost 1500 patients availed of
ambulance facilities, including 92 patients who availed of the stretcher
service for long distances. 70 persons were given clothes, 90 packets of
biscuits and 110 boxes of Complan and Feredol were distributed. 21 home
and institutional visits were made. 18 of our patients expired during the
two months.
At Tata Memorial Hospital: Room No. 189, Golden Jubilee Block
328 patients and 354 patients were aided, guided and
counseled by CPAA's Halima Aurangabadkar at Tata Memorial Hospital's
Golden Jubilee Block Room No. 189 during December and January
respectively. 900 packets of biscuits were distributed. 125 patients were
given clothes, 16 kgs of sweets were distributed. 19 referred cases were
helped. 43 ward visits and 6 home visits were made. 39 patients were given
medicines and toys were distributed to 110 children. 484 patients were
given Complan and Horlicks. 1451 patients utilized the ambulance facility
including 1130 that used the shuttle service between TMH and Dadar
station.
Palliative
Care Unit at Tata Memorial Hospital
Mrunal Marathe counseled 16 patients, 9 males and 7
females during the month of December. 4 cases of head and neck, 4 of
cancer of the abdomen, 3 of retinoblastoma and 9 other cases were seen.
Mrunal counseled the mother of a 2-year-old child suffering from
retinoblastoma. This is a disease that often runs in a family and the
child’s paternal aunt had been treated successfully for the condition 20
years ago. Her mother was therefore inconsolable, wondering why it had not
been possible to cure her own child with all the developments that have
taken place in medical science.
At Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children
19 new patients were registered during the month of
December and 24 patients during January. 472 patients attended follow up
of whom 166 patients are undergoing chemotherapy. 60 patients were
counseled and given guidance and Vinaya Chacko visited 14 patients in
their wards. 10 group meetings were held. 50 patients were given packets
of Complan, 60 persons were given biscuits and 10 sets of clothes were
distributed.
102 patients were counseled and given guidance by Iva Athavia during December and 32 patients during January. 168 ward visits were made. 88 patients were provided guidance regarding alternative therapy. 11 patients were provided ambulance service. 13 terminally ill patients were referred to Shanti Avedana Ashram. 107 persons attended group meetings on diet and hygiene. Rs. 22, 509 was donated towards medicines and radiation costs. 100 packets of biscuits and 27 packets of nutritional supplements and 5 bags of clothes were distributed.
Nair Hospital (Radiation Department)
145 patients were counseled and given guidance at the Counseling Cell at Nair Hospital Radiation Department by Iva Athavia during December and January. 37 ward visits were made. 11 terminally ill patients were referred to Shanti Avedana Ashram. 18 patients were given information about alternative forms of medicines. Rs. 44,324 was donated towards radiation treatment in the two months. 5 bottles of chocolates were distributed. 14 bottles of Feredol, 5 boxes of clothes and 45 boxes of Complan were donated.
Counseling at Bharat Sevashram Sangh
Iva Athavia counsels patients at Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Vashi every Friday evening. 102 patients were counseled and guided during December and January. 13 patients were visited in their rooms. 102 persons attended group meetings on radiation, diet and hygiene. 32 patients were given information regarding alternative treatment. 5 children were given storybooks. 50 tiffin boxes were distributed. 8 terminally ill patients were counseled. A donation of Rs. 10,000 was received.
The Rehabilitation Centre adopted two new patients during December and January. 181 patients and their family members were given assistance. 12 cases of mastectomy were attended and breast prostheses were provided including one outstation case who approached CPAA through the website. 522 patients were given rations worth Rs. 43,439. Rs. 35,650 was spent on teachers' salaries, for patient education and vocational training. Rs. 3.83 lakhs were spent on patients' wages and Rs. 84, 551 was spent on welfare activities, conveyance and diet supplements.
Cancer
Patients Aid Association Monthly Review is compiled by Dr. Shubha Maudgal
and printed by Mr. Suresh Mishra at Saraswati Printing
Press
Please
write in with your comments to: Smt. Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management
Centre, Anand Niketan, King George V Memorial,
Dr. E. Moses Road,
Mahalaxmi,
Mumbai-400 011
Phone: 24924000,
24928775, Fax: 24973599,
Email: webmaster@cpaaindia.org