Mumbai's New Cancer Navigators Guide Patients Through Treatment Journey

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will deploy 24 Cancer Patient Navigators across its 24 administrative wards. These navigators will assist patients diagnosed through BMC’s cancer screening programme in accessing treatment, referrals, counselling and follow-up care. The initiative aims to ensure patients do not feel lost after a diagnosis. The navigators have received specialised training through the Patient Navigation in Oncology Care Programme. This programme is a joint effort by Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) and ECHO India under the Cancer Care Bharat initiative.

Dr. Daksha Shah, Executive Health Officer at BMC, confirmed their role in the screening programme. Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director of TMC, noted that India’s ageing population and rising cancer cases demand new healthcare approaches. Dr. R.A. Badwe emphasised the value of dedicated navigators, as they build trust between patients and medical teams.

Their work will involve guiding patients from diagnosis to treatment. They will also help families connect with the right specialists. The introduction of these navigators is part of a broader effort to improve cancer care access in India. Through the ECHO model and trained personnel, the country seeks to ensure equitable healthcare and healthier ageing for all citizens. The programme will operate across all BMC wards to support those in need.