The Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) has introduced a one-year virtual master’s programme to train healthcare professionals as oncology patient navigators. These specialists will guide cancer patients through diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and access to support services, making the healthcare journey more coordinated and patient-centric.
The first batch graduated on June 6 and included 73 participants—49 medical officers from the National Health Mission (NHM), Maharashtra, and 24 officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Addressing a Growing Need
As reported by the Hindustan Times, TMC launched the programme to bridge communication gaps between patients and doctors while helping patients overcome challenges such as language barriers, financial constraints, and unfamiliar healthcare systems.
According to Dr. R.A. Badwe, Honorary Professor Emeritus at Tata Memorial Hospital, patient navigators will represent patients before doctors and help patients better understand their treatment plans.
Strengthening Cancer Care
India’s rising cancer burden has increased the demand for trained patient navigators. TMC estimates that urban areas currently report 110 cancer cases per lakh population, compared with 45 cases per lakh in rural regions. Tobacco use, infections, and obesity continue to contribute significantly to the disease burden.
Meanwhile, BMC plans to deploy trained coordinators at the ward level. They will guide patients identified through screening programmes, encourage those who discontinue treatment to return, and help them access government healthcare schemes.
Currently, the course is offered through the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) for nominees from partner organisations. TMC has also extended the initiative internationally by training healthcare professionals from Indonesia.