As a medical oncologist, I have been actively involved in the care of patients with hematological cancers. Hematological cancers are one of the most curable malignancies however the treatment of hematological cancers is very resource-intensive, needs expertise, and involves significant out-of-pocket expenditure, most patients abandon therapy at the beginning itself. To circumvent these issues, my colleagues and I established the Leukemia and lymphoma foundation to impart knowledge about the disease, financial assistance, accommodation support, and advocate for the needs of the patients with policymakers and the public.
As a core group member of the National Cancer Grid (NCG), which is the largest network of cancer centers, research organizations, and patient groups, I have worked towards ensuring delivery of uniform cancer care, training of healthcare professionals, and multi-centric research to develop cost-effective treatment solutions. I have led the effort of developing resource stratified guidelines for the management of cancers which are now linked with Ayushman Bharat PMJAY oncology packages. I have been an active proponent of value-based care. To incorporate the same in NCG, I have been leading the effort of health technology assessment of several high-value anticancer treatments which will further inform the guidelines and reimbursements. In addition, to improve the affordability of high-value anticancer drugs, I have led the group negotiation initiative in NCG which translated into marked cost-saving for several cancer centers and the patients.