Somesh Kumar1, Ashish Srivastava2, Ashish Kumar Srivastava3, Vineet Srivastava3, Tapas Sadasivan Nair2, Gulnoza Usmanova2, Ravikant Singh4, Bulbul Sood5, Ophira Ginsburg6,7. 1. New initiatives and innovations, Jhpiego (an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University), Baltimore, Maryland. 2. Monitoring, Evaluation & Research, Jhpiego, New Delhi, India. 3. Programs, Non communicable diseases, Jhpiego, New Delhi, India. 4. Private Practice, New Delhi, India. 5. Country Director, Jhpiego, New Delhi, India. 6. Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York. 7. Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India. Jhpiego, a not-for-profit health organization, is providing technical assistance for developing an evidence-based model of breast health care in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand in India. METHODS: A situational assessment of breast health care services using validated tools was conducted in the 2 states. RESULTS: Findings of the assessment were presented to the Breast Health Technical Advisory Committee comprised of subject experts and government functionaries. The committee, guided by Breast Health Global Initiative resource-stratified guidelines, developed a conceptual framework for integration of breast health services into the existing health system. This conceptual framework was presented to the Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) of the respective state governments. Each TAG then developed an operationally feasible, contextually appropriate implementation plan in alignment with the national guidelines for noncommunicable diseases. This implementation plan guided the rollout of the breast health care program in the Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) and Ranchi (Jharkhand) districts. CONCLUSIONS: Early results from the implementation suggest that it is feasible to integrate the breast health care pathway with the ongoing National Cancer Control Program of India.
BACKGROUND:Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India. Jhpiego, a not-for-profit health organization, is providing technical assistance for developing an evidence-based model of breast health care in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand in India. METHODS: A situational assessment of breast health care services using validated tools was conducted in the 2 states. RESULTS: Findings of the assessment were presented to the Breast Health Technical Advisory Committee comprised of subject experts and government functionaries. The committee, guided by Breast Health Global Initiative resource-stratified guidelines, developed a conceptual framework for integration of breast health services into the existing health system. This conceptual framework was presented to the Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) of the respective state governments. Each TAG then developed an operationally feasible, contextually appropriate implementation plan in alignment with the national guidelines for noncommunicable diseases. This implementation plan guided the rollout of the breast health care program in the Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) and Ranchi (Jharkhand) districts. CONCLUSIONS: Early results from the implementation suggest that it is feasible to integrate the breast health care pathway with the ongoing National Cancer Control Program of India.