Cancer Tele-OPD brings relief to Manipur patients, reduces financial and emotional burden

In an effort to address the hidden burdens of cancer treatment in Manipur, a Tele-OPD initiative launched under the National Cancer Grid (NCG) is beginning to make a meaningful impact. Launched by the Department of Health Services, Government of Manipur, in partnership with Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai, and eGovernments Foundation, the pilot project aims to reduce the need for long-distance travel by enabling remote oncology consultations.
Officials said the Cancer Tele-OPD, which began operations in July 2025, has connected three district hospitals—Ukhrul, Thoubal, and Churachandpur—with specialists at TMH. The platform caters to follow-up patients who were in remission at their last visit to TMH, those who have completed treatment but need examination for emerging symptoms, and new patients or those seeking second opinions.
According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, Manipur records around 1,500 new cancer cases every year, with approximately 10,000 existing cases, although the numbers may be significantly higher due to underreporting. The northeast region, known for its high cancer incidence and low detection and survival rates, faces severe geographical and healthcare access constraints.
TMH has supported the initiative by deploying oncology specialists, assisting in setting up the Tele-OPD sites, training state-nominated medical staff on NCG protocols, and providing nurses. eGovernments Foundation has facilitated the integration of CARE software to support the cancer-specific consultation grid.
While the project is still in its early stages, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients have reported that the quality of virtual consultations matches their previous in-person experiences at TMH. Many shared that the initiative had significantly reduced their financial, linguistic, and emotional challenges.
One patient, a 43-year-old non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor, said she was finally able to consult directly with her preferred oncologist, something that had not been possible during her numerous visits to Mumbai. Her husband explained that local medical staff helped them articulate their concerns clearly—an experience not always possible during rushed hospital visits.
Another patient, a farmer from Thoubal, shared that he had previously sold a portion of his paddy field to cover treatment expenses in Mumbai. The Tele-OPD, he said, eliminated travel and translation costs, offering him both financial relief and peace of mind.
Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude for the convenience of receiving quality care closer to home, without the disruption to their lives.