Children from economically disadvantaged families undergoing cancer treatment can now seek financial assistance under the Hyundai Hope for Cancer programme, an initiative of the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
The programme has opened its online nomination process, calling on treating doctors, hospitals, parents, caregivers, NGOs and social organisations to help identify eligible children and connect them with the Cancer Care Fund.
The initiative is aimed at reducing the financial barriers that can prevent children from accessing timely and appropriate cancer treatment.
Applications can be submitted through the programme’s online portal, while further information is available from the programme team by email.
Doctors, hospitals urged to nominate children
Eligible paediatric cancer patients may receive financial treatment support subject to the programme’s eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and review process.
Treating physicians can nominate patients by submitting a completed Patient Nomination Form along with the required medical records through the online portal.
The programme has also appealed to hospitals, parents, caregivers, NGOs and members of the public to refer families who may require financial assistance for cancer treatment.
IIT Madras Department of Biotechnology Prof. S. Mahalingam, who is spearheading the initiative, said the programme aims to reach families across India who may not be aware that such assistance is available.
“We want to reach families across India who may not be aware that such support is available,” Mahalingam said, encouraging members of the public to refer families of children requiring financial assistance to the programme team.
Wider paediatric cancer focus
Hyundai Hope for Cancer extends beyond treatment assistance, with the programme focusing on multiple aspects of paediatric cancer care.
Its initiatives include cancer awareness and screening, HPV vaccination, cancer genomics research and treatment support for children from low-income families.
By combining awareness, preventive interventions, research and financial treatment support, the programme seeks to improve access to cancer care for children from economically disadvantaged households.
The initiative also seeks to address one of the key barriers faced by families dealing with childhood cancer, the ability to meet the cost of prolonged and often intensive treatment.
Online nomination pathway
Families and organisations seeking assistance can use the programme’s online nomination facility to initiate the process. The applications will be evaluated against the prescribed eligibility and documentation requirements before treatment support is considered.
The initiative is expected to provide an additional avenue of financial support for eligible paediatric cancer patients while encouraging healthcare professionals and community organisations to play a role in identifying children who need assistance.