St. Judes India Childcare Centre opens 42nd centre, targets to manage 1,000 family units across 14 states of India by 2025

Mumbai, August 31, 2023. St. Judes India Childcare Centre announced the inauguration of its 42nd Centre in Mira Road, Mumbai. The new facility will provide comprehensive care and accommodation to eight children and their families undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) procedures at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s CTC, PHO & BMT Center. Within the newly established centres each room caters to the child, their family, and offers ample storage space. Recognizing the significance of nutrition in supporting the immune systems of children undergoing cancer treatment, the shared kitchen is equipped with utensils and appliances for parents to prepare tailored meals. Families receive essential ingredients and rations on a weekly basis. Maintaining stringent infection control standards, common bathrooms are provided with clean and hygienic facilities.Families also receive transportation assistance between centres and treating hospitals, along with counseling services for the emotional wellbeing of both children and parents.

“Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a special therapy for patients with certain cancers. It tries to transfuse healthy bone marrow cells into a person after his or her own unhealthy bone marrow has been treated to kill the abnormal cells. The patient requires a lot of care and support before, during and after the BMT procedure. The holistic support offered at the centres tries to close the gap between what the hospital provides and what the children need to beat cancer,” said Anil Nair, CEO, St. Judes India. 

Looking ahead, St. Judes envisions managing 1,000 family units across 14 Indian states by 2025, with plans to expand into cities including Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Upcoming projects include the Kharghar facility, set to accommodate 226 families and expected to be ready by 2024. Additionally, the Wadala centres, facilitated by an MoU, are anticipated to be operational by April 2023. Further developments involve expanding the Delhi centre and introducing BMT units to the Chennai Centre.