Role of NGOs in the facilitation of cancer care access in Northeast India

Background: The news of cancer often entails psychological and financial constraints on the patient and their caregivers. In India, the health systems are under tremendous load, with cancer services facing geographical, behavioural, economic and infrastructure challenges. In the backdrop of this, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) master to walk along with those facing a long and tumulus journey of cancer treatment by facilitating cancer care services. This paper examines the narratives of NGOs on their role and modus operandi in bringing ease of cancer care access. Method: By purposive sampling, four NGOs and six oncologists were interviewed in two cancer institutes in Northeast India, namely (i) Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Arunachal Pradesh and (ii) Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) in Assam. A semi-structured interview schedule was used for the study, with data coded and transcribed verbatim on emerging themes. Requisite ethical clearances were received from the respective institutes. Results: Collaboration with the NGOs and cancer institutes has opened an array of ease of access for cancer patients. Such partnerships become indispensable, especially in the study area where socio-cultural diversity, infrastructural or psycho-social barriers could influence the timely treatment of cancer patients.&nbsp

Utilization of Janani Suraksha Yojana in Balijan and Doimukh Blocks of Papumpare District, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Background: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a conditional cash incentive scheme focused on institutional delivery to reduce maternal and infant mortality.Objectives: To examine the factors influencing utilization of the JSY and role of key informants of the study like District Reproductive and Child Health Officer (DRCHO), Medical Officer (MO), Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM), Lady Health Visitor (LHV) and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) at Community Health Centers (CHC) and Sub Centers (SC).Method: An observational study in two randomly selected blocks namely, Balijan and Doimukh of Papumpare District, Arunachal Pradesh, was carried out with some in-depth interviews. A total of 71 respondents were interviewed after obtaining informed consent.Result: All the respondents registered their pregnancy at CHC Balijan and Doimukh Blocks respectively. Awareness on JSY by the beneficiaries through ASHAs accounted for 37.53%, while motivation to avail JSY by beneficiaries was 34.3%; 85% prospective beneficiaries desired to avail JSY and 27.45% of non-beneficiaries cited transportation problem as a reason for not availing JSY. Key informants agreed that lack of transportation from the village to hospital and preference of private hospitals were main reasons for non-utilization of the scheme. Delay in disbursement of money by hospital and several rounds of trip for this purpose resulted in increased out-of-pocket expenditure as cited by the respondents. Low cash incentive, lack of dedicated fund for fuel of ambulances stationed in hospitals (CHCs and SCs) and low honorarium to ASHAs were reasoned as challenges by the key informants.Discussion: Issues related to health infrastructure and ASHAs have to be addressed for further progress