Secretary & Chief Executive Officer

A dedicated cancer care advocate with over three decades of experience strengthening patient support systems and access to care.

As Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of CPAA, Alka leads the organisation’s strategic direction and program delivery, while serving on its Statutory Governing Body. She brings deep institutional knowledge and global perspective to enhance impact, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that patients and families receive timely financial, emotional, and practical support.

Alka’s journey with CPAA spans 35 years. After contributing 18 formative years to the organisation, she expanded her experience internationally at Cancer Council New South Wales, Australia, where she served as Program Manager and Financial Counsellor. There, she offered financial counselling to cancer patients and carers across the public health system and oversaw Financial Assistance Services and solutions for cancer patients facing acute financial hardship—further strengthening her expertise in patient-centred support models.

Her work has consistently focused on bridging gaps between medical treatment and the socio-economic realities faced by families. She believes that effective cancer care must extend beyond hospitals to address dignity, access, and resilience.

Alka holds a degree in Microbiology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and a Postgraduate qualification in Medical Laboratory Techniques from Nair Hospital, Diploma in Community Services and certified, accredited financial counsellor ( NSW Australia)