Bhutan Cancer Society
Enhanced and improved Care and Support program for cancer patients and families
The Bhutan Cancer Society’s “Care and Support” program aims to enhance the psychosocial well-being of Bhutanese families affected by cancer through six prioritized support activities, which are extended to families from economically marginalized backgrounds. These supports act as a catalyst to bolster cancer control efforts in the country. The program offers invaluable support to individuals and families affected by cancer to undergo complete treatment with reduced social burden. Thus, this intervention plays as a pivotal role in empowering individuals to overcome the disease.
Despite the noble initiatives, the program struggles to offer quality services attributing to financial instability and lack of dedicated funding sources for consistent and effective service delivery.
Through this proposed project, the BCS will engage communities, establish partnerships, and expand its supporter base. The project’s desired outcome will establish a sustainable financing to the Society’s crucial intervention in its impact and outreach in the fight against cancer.
Areas of fund utilization:
The fund mobilized from this project will be utilized to enhance the following support activities under the BCS’ thrust area “Care and Support” programme.
|
Support Area |
Support Frequency |
Description |
|
Patient Navigation |
✓ Twice in a week during oncology OPD. |
This enables patients to undergo a complete treatment cycle as recommended. The BCS dedicates two days every week in assisting cancer patients and families to attend the Oncology OPDs and consultations. |
|
Transit Services |
As per the need |
Arrange/Support the travel of patients from home/any region to the treatment center. |
|
Logistics & Essential support |
Monthly Financial Assistance |
BCS provides assistance either in the form of monthly financial assistance or in kind to support cancer patients, mostly those under palliative care to meet their day-to day needs. |
|
Nutritional Supplements. |
Case basis as per the recommendation from Oncology Unit. |
A protein supplement “ENSURE” is provided to support patients under treatment with low immunity and energy. |
|
Support with Life Saving equipment. |
Case basis as per the need. |
BCS arranges life-saving equipment such as portable oxygen concentrators and Anti Bedsore Air Mattresses for patients in need of such support. Additional, terminal patients are also supported with adult diapers. |
|
Review & Treatment |
As per the need. |
Cancer patients referred outside Bhutan for treatment are supported with one-time financial assistance to meet the essentials during the treatment course. |
