Pfizer’s support to Tata Trusts cancer care programme helps screen close to 70,000 people

New Delhi: Pfizer has announced that its support to Tata Trusts Cancer Care programme since 2020 has helped in enrolling and screening 70,000 people for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and Cancer across Assam, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.

Pfizer partnered with Tata Trusts’ Special Purpose Vehicle, Alamelu Charitable Foundation (ACF) for their Cancer Care Programme to help set up health and wellness kiosks, facilitate community screening and a virtual patient helpdesk, and assist in training of ASHA and Anganwadi workers in Diphu and Silchar in Assam and, additionally, in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

Assam has one of the highest rates of new cancer cases in India. The objective of the partnership is to help bring down the high burden of cancer by raising awareness, aiding in early detection of cancer, and, through several programmes, serving the public, patients and caregivers support through the cancer treatment journey.

Commenting on the achievements of the program so far, Mr. S Sridhar, Managing Director, Pfizer Limited, “Innovative and life-saving therapies are the foundation of modern cancer care, and yet, care must begin from reducing exposure to modifiable risk factors, large scale screening to help early detection and diagnosis, and supporting patients through their journey. Our partnership with the Tata Trusts Cancer Care Programme has helped us truly support patients from early detection, through the care continuum, to help ensure that their treatment outcomes are the best possible. We are proud of the outcomes we have achieved in the first year and look forward to expanding this program within Assam; to other cities in the North East; and to the rest of India.”

Dr. Sanjiv Chopra, Chief Executive, Cancer Care Programme, Tata Trusts, said, “The Cancer Care Programme of Tata Trusts envisages interventions across the continuum of care including outreach, technology, financial assistance and a host of other thoughtful and strategic initiatives. Our partnership with Pfizer has been helping us to deliver the care and support that is needed to help reduce the burden of cancer in select states. Through our collaborative efforts, we hope to continue improving the lives of many.”