Management control of B. Barooah Cancer Institute by Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai

Tata Trusts, the philanthropic arm of India’s leading business conglomerate with over US$ 103 Bn in revenues is also one of the oldest grant bestowing foundations. The Trust has developed and used endowments to sustain mission-driven institutions that influence positive change in society.

A large number of patients from Northeast India travel to Mumbai, Chennai, and Vellore seeking treatment for cancer due to non-availability of a comprehensive cancer hospital in the northeastern states. Patients from the north east form approximately 30% of the volumes at leading hospitals in Tamil Nadu and CMC, Vellore.

To address this scenario, the Chief Minister of Assam, requested that Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), a government of India undertaking, to take over the Dr. B Barooah Cancer Center (BBCI). Tata Trusts appointed Camomile to evaluate BBCI and recommend the interventions required to transform the hospital to a comprehensive cancer care center and to estimate the financial outlay.

Camomile formed a multi-functional team consisting of leading healthcare consultants, medical equipment specialists and others to evaluate the hospital. The following were the key activities undertaken,

• The existing skill set at BBCI was benchmarked against the needs of a comprehensive cancer facility. Additional human resources to deliver quality care were recommended
• Working conditions of key medical equipment (including radiology & imaging, OTs, Cathlabs) and other support infrastructure was assessed. The remaining life of all key equipment was estimated. Gaps, if any were highlighted and additional capex required was estimated
• Comprehensive review of the building infrastructure was done and additional capex to be incurred for the same was estimated
• Patient safety compliances were reviewed, and gaps were highlighted

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the takeover of BBCI, Guwahati, Assam by TMH, where TMH would have administrative control of BBCI that continually served the needs of cancer patients in the northeast of India
• The overall transformation plan was prepared with an expected financial outlay of approximately Rs. 450 Cr

#TataMemorial #BBCI #cancercare