CHENNAI: Children from economically disadvantaged families undergoing cancer treatment can now seek financial assistance under the ‘Hyundai Hope for Cancer’ programme, jointly supported by the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) and IIT Madras.
The initiative aims to ease financial barriers that often prevent children from accessing timely and appropriate cancer treatment.
The programme has opened its online nomination facility, inviting treating physicians, hospitals, parents, caregivers, NGOs and social organisations to refer eligible children to its Cancer Care Fund.
Treating doctors can nominate patients by submitting the Patient Nomination Form and required medical records through the online portal.
S Mahalingam of the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, who is spearheading the initiative, said that the programme was aimed at reaching families across the country who may not be aware of the assistance available.
“We want to reach families across India who may not be aware that such support is available. Members of the public are also encouraged to refer families of children who require financial assistance for cancer treatment to the programme team,” he said.
Eligible paediatric cancer patients will receive treatment support subject to the programme’s eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and review process.
The programme also focuses on cancer awareness and screening, HPV vaccination, cancer genomics research and treatment support, with the broader objective of improving access to paediatric cancer care.