CPAA’s Delhi Branch was initiated in 1979 in partnership with the Rotary Club at the Rotary Cancer Hospital. Today they provide aid and assistance to patients from New Delhi, NCR and the Northern and Eastern states of India through various cancer hospitals in the city. In line with CPAA’s Total Management philosophy, the New Delhi branch largely focuses on activities encompassing Awareness, Early Detection, Support for treatment and Guidance and Counseling. The branch is headed and managed by Mrs. Niharika Raina.

Patient Care: Patient Care activities are largely managed at the Out-patient department, Pediatric wards and Rajgharia Dharamshala of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Safdarjung Hospital and Lok Nayak Hospital. Medicines such as chemotherapy drugs are disbursed to needy cancer patients referred by the doctors at the out-patient department of the hospital. Special provision has also been made to provide medicines to the patients, in case of emergencies. A playroom is managed by CPAA’s social workers at the AIIMS hospital for childhood cancer patients undergoing treatment and their accompanying siblings who are welcome to spend time here. Games and toys are made available to keep them in a happy and stress free environment. The social workers try and involve the children in simple activities like craft, games, reading, etc. Special activities are organised on Rose Day, Diwali, Christmas and other important days and festivals. Every Wednesday juices and bread buns are distributed to patients coming to the Day Care Unit from the wards.

The Rajgharia Dharamshala (AIIMS) houses outstation patients undergoing treatment in the city, along with their care-givers. CPAA runs various recreational activities for the inmates including yoga, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, singing, dancing, education and lectures on hygiene and cleanliness, nutrition, story-telling, drawing and painting and handicraft. Important festivals and National Days are celebrated with great fervour.

CPAA social workers provide support post-operative support to breast cancer patients at AIIMS. Along with counselling, they are informed about post-surgery care and precautions, chemotherapy, diet and nutrition, etc.

Food rations are distributed to underprivileged cancer patients at AIIMS and other hospices every month, supporting patients and their families who come from out of town.

Cancer Awareness and Detection: Prior to the lockdown due to the pandemic, health check-up camps and cancer screening camps would regularly be organised in Delhi and NCR areas. Cancer Awareness lectures were conducted at schools, colleges, corporates, slums and offices of the India Air force, by our panel of doctors, for marginalised groups.

IMPACTFUL PARTNERSHIPS:

The Manmohini Kaul Cancer Fund (MMKCF) has been a beacon of hope and compassion for the most underserved communities in India. At CPAA, we are deeply grateful for our enduring association with MMKCF and its parent trust, the Global Charity Foundation (GCF), which began in 2009 through a generous gesture by their Founder President, Dr. Reeta Thukral. Her personal outreach to Mrs. Kiran Hukku, then Director of CPAA’s New Delhi branch, with an initial donation of US$ 5,000 helped lay the foundation for our exclusive diagnostic facility. That moment marked the beginning of a profound and impactful partnership.

Over the past 14 years, this collaboration has provided complete cancer treatment for 340 childhood cancer patients and enabled 12,641 chemotherapy sessions—an extraordinary contribution valued at Rs. 1.65 crores. These children, hailing from underprivileged families in and around New Delhi, receive their treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Thanks to the MMKCF’s steadfast support, they are given a renewed chance at life through access to free, timely, and comprehensive care.

The support extends far beyond medical treatment. CPAA, through MMKCF’s backing, also provides nutritious diets, travel assistance, and accommodation to ensure that no child misses their treatment due to logistical or financial constraints. Today, many of these children are in remission and living healthy, fulfilled lives—a testament to the life-changing impact of this compassionate alliance.

Dr. Reeta Thukral’s commitment goes beyond philanthropy. Her annual visits to meet the young patients and their families are a source of joy, healing, and emotional strength for everyone involved. Her presence transforms these patient-donor interactions into deeply moving experiences, reinforcing the human connection at the heart of this mission.
Her leadership and unwavering dedication have also inspired others to join this noble cause. Organizations such as the Rotary International Foundation and Rotary Club of Delhi Garden City have followed her lead, significantly enhancing the scope of CPAA’s Patient Aid initiatives. This growing circle of support has further enabled us to organize cancer screening camps for marginalised communities and financially assist numerous patients with their treatment.

We are profoundly thankful to the Manmohini Kaul Cancer Fund and Dr. Reeta Thukral for their unwavering faith in our mission. Their generosity and compassion have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children and families. It is through such heartfelt partnerships that we are able to continue our work—bringing hope, healing, and health to those who need it most.

Connect with us: If you reside in Delhi NCR area and are inspired to help and support the activities of CPAA’s New Delhi branch you can connect with Mrs Niharika Raina at niharika.raina@cancer.org.in to pledge your support.