The Hans Foundation's Lifesaving Mission: Transforming Childhood Cancer Care in India

Shweta Rawat, founder and chairperson of The Hans Foundation, spoke with The Better India to shed light on the pressing issues surrounding childhood cancer and the impactful initiatives of the Hans Pediatric Program. This program is committed to making critical cancer treatment accessible and affordable for children from low-income families, embodying the foundation’s core mission: ensuring healthcare access for marginalized communities.

The urgency of timely cancer treatment cannot be understated, as it can mean the difference between life and loss. Unfortunately, in India, countless children face barriers to receiving specialized care due to financial constraints, which threatens their survival and recovery.

For over a decade, The Hans Foundation has prioritized child health through successful programs like the ‘Cochlear Implant Program’ and ‘Little Hearts Program.’ The integration of these into the Hans Pediatric Program further emphasizes their dedication to addressing severe health conditions, from congenital issues to complex cancer treatments.

Bridging the Gap in Pediatric Cancer Treatment

Each year, approximately 75,000 children in India are diagnosed with cancer, a condition that requires specialized care. While the survival rate in high-income countries exceeds 80 percent, India’s survival rate remains around 20 percent due to the inaccessibility and high cost of treatment.

Challenges persist as specialized care is mainly available in large cities, forcing families from rural areas to undertake significant travel and financial burdens. This reality underscores the need for a holistic approach encompassing treatment, financial support, and emotional assistance to ease the burden on families facing life-altering decisions.

Paving the Path to Early Detection

Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates in childhood cancer. The foundation emphasizes the importance of community health initiatives that empower local practitioners, train health workers, and partner with regional hospitals to extend early detection efforts to underserved areas.

Moreover, the comprehensive approach of supplementing medical treatment with support services—covering transportation, housing, and income loss—acknowledges the multifaceted impact of childhood cancer on families.

The Role of Government and Partnerships

The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), an initiative by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare under the National Health Mission, has laid the groundwork for early health screening in children. The Hans Foundation’s partnerships with non-profit organizations and private entities have complemented this governmental effort, amplifying the impact and expanding the reach of essential pediatric healthcare services.

A Legacy of Hope and Health

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, The Hans Foundation reflects on its enduring commitment to child health. From its early days to the present, its mission has been driven by the belief that healthier children lead to stronger communities. This unwavering focus on pediatric oncology reinforces the foundation’s commitment to equity, resilience, and hope in adversity.

The journey continues with collaboration at its core. By joining hands with healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations, the foundation aims to ensure that every child has access to lifesaving care. This shared vision calls for a future where no child’s battle against cancer is fought alone and every young life is given the opportunity to thrive.

The Hans Foundation’s pledge remains clear: to build a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and every child can pursue a healthy, fulfilling life.