Pediatric cancer care in India. A national survey.

A national survey of institutions treating children with cancer was undertaken in April 1988. The 21-item questionnaire included questions on personnel, treatment facilities, support services, attitudes and opinions regarding pediatric cancer care. 73 institutions responded. From the survey, it emerged that pediatricians did not see all pediatric patients with cancer at one-third of the respondent institutions. 50 percent of cancer centres did not have pediatricians. Cancer centres were better staffed with specialist personnel and better support services. Respondents felt that pediatric oncologists and specialist support personnel were necessary for optimal pediatric cancer care and facilities at medical colleges needed to be improved because of the large number of children with cancer treated at these institutions.