The city-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Prashanti Cancer Care Mission (PCCM), recently set up 12 support groups for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and are on medication. 

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The managing trustee of the NGO and head of the oncology department at Jehangir Hospital, Dr C Koppiker, said the support groups cater to cancer patients in 12 zones of the city.  “Each group consists of two members who themselves are cancer patients. The groups were formed to help the needy overcome the mental trauma they face after being diagnosed as cancer patients, help them get proper treatment, provide them food or shelter, emotional support, counselling and medication,” he added.

Laleh Busheri, chief executive officer of the NGO, said the groups meet once a month and discusses problems and steps are taken to solve them. “We provide them with travelling facility in case a patient is poor and unable to afford reaching the hospital for his/her chemotherapy session. The group listens to them, offers them a shoulder to cry on and also offers counselling,” she added, stating that such initiatives create hope among the cancer patients. 

There are also social workers, psychologists and oncologists who offer their help and treatment to the patients who are brought by the group. 

In all, 200 patients are taken care of by these groups and the PCCM is working to reach many such patients who are in dire need.