Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Oct 4: Human body contains millions of cells. It grows, divides and dies in a conventional manner. Sometimes when something goes wrong in the system, uncontrolled number of cells grow, which leads to cancer. Today the occurrence of cancer has become common and the increase in number of cancer specialty hospitals is a proof for the same.
Children too become victims of cancer. However, childhood cancers which occur suddenly, without early symptoms, have a better rate of cure.
Understanding the pain and giving a hope for cure, Centre for Development Studies and Education (CEDSE) - a registered charitable trust, situated in Dakshina Kannada is engaging in the healing mission. It aims to save precious lives of children from cancer- a disease which puts children in situations of pain and deprives them of a joyful childhood. It also brings much turmoil inclusive of financial/loan burden to their parents, even after availing government schemes.
About CEDSE
CEDSE is a registered charitable trust, located in Mangaluru (India). It was set up in the year 1990 to promote the cause of the socially excluded groups in society, envisioning a society based on justice, healing and ecological harmony. The Centre works with teams of partners/resource persons and volunteers who share common concerns associated with each of these broad areas by engaging in training community based facilitators/volunteers, research and collective action both directly and in collaboration with people’s organisations, non-government and the government agencies. Its mission is to evolve a model, sustainable interventions/services through committed and competent facilitators to promote justice, healing (i.e. Care Child Cancer) and sustainable human development to be replicable at a wider scale by both civil society and the government.
Care Child Cancer – Introduction
Care Child Cancer is one of the major components of the healing mission started in the year 2013 by CEDSE. The aim of this programme is to contribute to the creation of a healthy social ambience which ensures right to life/survival for children affected, and those living under conditions that could result in increasing incidence of cancer, by focusing on curative, preventative and promotional aspects of health.
At present there are official tie-ups with the paediatric oncology departments of three reputed hospitals in Mangaluru such as District Wenlock Hospital, KMC Hospital Attavar and Fr Muller’s Hospital where affected children from the economically marginalised sections are referred for assistance by the oncologists. More than 100 children have been rendered timely/long time financial and psychological support this far and double the number have been provided only psychological support.
Major objectives of CCC
It puts efforts to minimize deaths among children due to cancer. The team ensures relief from pain and suffering for the affected children to the maximum extent possible. It gives more importance to the treatment and care for the affected children in an effective continuous and sustainable manner, not only by supplementing the schemes of the government available but also by providing other essential services required. It contributes the extent possible to enable families to reduce their financial burden/ indebtedness due to the problem and rebuild their lives in cases where there is loss of their beloved child. Enhancing the competencies of parents for home based care and early detection of cancer in children and timely interventions to enhance chances of their survival is another major mission which is undertaken by CCC.
Care Child Cancer has undertaken many projects to resolve the issue of child cancer. Financial support to the needy children and their care givers, making cancer drugs available at wholesale prices with discounts to the patients, are main among these.
Beside this the Centre focuses on blood donation, counselling and guidance to children and care givers, and promoting awareness for early detection (schools, panchayats) and timely treatment.
Administration
One full time coordinator is appointed for the programme whose functions include regular visits to the hospital and maintaining contact with affected children, providing financial and psychological support, arranging for fresh blood and seeking funds through social media channels to assist patients in specific cases. The coordinator is also engaged in spreading awareness about childhood cancers, early symptoms, treatment available and health promotional activities to prevent the disease.
Financial Accountability and Transparency
CEDSE gives utmost importance to transparency and accountability in financial dealings and have designed effective procedures towards this end. The accounts are fully audited and available for inspection. All medical bills/vouchers/receipts are counter signed by the head of the child oncology unit or by the person authorized to do so by the head of the hospital, the social worker of the hospital and coordinator of the CEDSE CCC. All vouchers TA/DA given to parents are signed by parents, care givers and counter signed by the duty doctor and coordinator of the programme.
Donations made to CEDSE inclusive of Care Child Cancer are exempted from Income Tax u/s 80G of IT Act 1961.
From its experience in the last 5 years, the Centre has realised that its programme is very relevant as it addresses a major challenge of our society. A significant reduction in mortality rate among the affected children because of compliance with the prescribed treatment regimen and a sense of hope in the place of anxiety and helplessness among the parents are notable among the many positive outcomes noted by the doctors/oncologists.
CCC has incurred a total expenditure of Rs 54.48 lacs (roughly Rs. 1,00,000 per month) during the last 5 years towards the cost of investigative procedures and medicines for affected children, T.A, D.A for their parents, counselling service, awareness programmes regarding early symptoms of cancer inclusive of disease prevention cum health promotion and personnel plus administrative costs. To provide essential services to affected children from the needy families and to undertake initiatives to prevent disease and promote health, CEDSE requires a minimum of Rs. 2.5 lacs to Rs. 3 lacs per month during the next 5 years. The Centre has future plans to introduce supply of nutritious food packets to children to enable them to build their immunity to conquer cancer and requires more funds.
To continue and expand its mission and bring a smile on children’s face CEDSE seeks help from generous readers and like-minded people.
Contact:
Centre for Development Studies and Education (CEDSE)
D No. 1-130/9(1)
Mangala Nagara, Kudupu Post, Mangaluru – 575 028
Contact Number: 0824 2262816/(+91)9901365360
Email: cedse@rediffmail.com
Bank Details:
Indian Currency Remittance:
Account Name: Centre for Development, Studies and Education CCP
Canara Bank, Vamanjoor Branch
A/c No:3060101002227
IFCC Code: CNRB0003060
Foreign Currency Remittance:
Corporation Bank, Vamanjoor Branch
Account Name:Centre for Development, Studies and Education
A/c No:520281000000308
IFSC Code:CORP0000796