Bhopal: Medical doctors from AIIMS Bhopal and AIIMS Jodhpur are collaborating with other healthcare experts to design a new strategy to enhance cancer treatment services in smaller urban centres and developing cities.
The proposed snowflake model envisages a hierarchical structure for cancer care. This includes an apex centre at the core acting as a policy-making entity.
Subsequently, there will be tier two cities as hubs for tertiary care, district headquarters as nodal centres and primary cancer centres in high-prevalence areas.
The model focuses on a phased approach that includes upgrading infrastructure, decentralising services, and integrating them through digital platforms.
It is similar to the principles of the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), the National Cancer Grid (NCGL and the Hub-and-Spoke model.
Currently, cancer care is primarily delivered in tier one cities. Though treatment facilities are expanding to Tier two and three cities, they are still plagued by infrastructure constraints, rising costs and socioeconomic diversity.
The proposed model could optimise cancer care delivery in Tier two and three cities.
