Swasth Assam – Strengthening Care

"For people like us with meagre income, we never thought we can get this kind of help from cancer team of ACCF and will get treated free of cost for a dangerous disease like cancer." ~Ashok Singh, 57 years

Ashok, hailing from Orang in Udalguri - was identified at ACCF health kiosk (Swasth Assam) and was assisted all through for treatment. He was enrolled and treated under Assam Government' flagship scheme - Atal Amrit Abhiyan without incurring any expenditure. Ashok was initially treated at Tezpur Medical College and Hospital (TMCH) for a wound on the left side of his face however, the wound did not heal even after being treated for a long time. After a few days, he came back to TMCH from where he was referred to ACCF Swasth Assam Kiosk.

The Swasth Assam wellness kiosk located in TMCH OPD, is led by experienced staff for the screening of oral, breast and cervical health and other common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Ashok had symptoms such as severe loss of appetite, difficulty in swallowing and weight loss. An oral examination was done at the kiosk by ACCF staff, where it was found that there is an ulcer inside mouth and needed to be investigated to rule out cancer. ACCF has placed Patient Navigators (PN) in Medical College Hospitals to ensure continuum of care by strengthening follow-up mechanism for cancer suspected cases. Soon after, process followed - Ashok was navigated by PN to the ENT OPD where after investigation, the reports confirmed about his cancer, and he was referred to State Cancer Institute (SCI) Guwahati for further treatment. Ashok and his family were at shock. Surrounded with worries about treatment and their financial issues- an emotional Ashok did not have an iota of idea that his cancer can be treated. Again, ACCF Patient Navigators and Doctor posted at SCI assisted him.

Ashok was advised pre-surgery chemotherapy sessions as the case was complicated. He had restlessness, anxiety, loss of appetite, nausea and tremors. The symptoms got severe with the patient refusing medicines and his family approached religious ascetic for solace. To overcome this phase, he was counselled by Swasth Assam team and relatives were regularly advised and supported in this phase. After completion of the chemo sessions, Ashok had successfully undergone oral surgery on March 02, 2021 at SCI. Post discharge, ACCF team at TMCH regularly followed up with the patient to ensure he completed the post-surgery advise for chemotherapy and radiation sessions.

Ashok's health has improved since then and he expressed his gratitude towards ACCF team for the hassle-free completion of his treatment. He is likely to resume work soon.

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