New Family Room expands RMHC India’s reach to serve thousands of children and their families annually across Maharashtra and neighbouring regions.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) – October 8, 2024: Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) India proudly announces the opening of its second Family Room at the Government Cancer Hospital, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra. Building on the success of its first Family Room at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children in Mumbai, which has been serving thousands of families with kids suffering from cancer for over 8 years, this new facility advances RMHC India’s mission of providing a compassionate and supportive environment for families of paediatric cancer patients.
RMHC India is the Indian chapter of RMHC Global that has been working for 50 years to positively impact the health and well-being of children and their families. Operating in 62 countries and regions, RMHC supports more than 1,000 programs worldwide, with over 270 such Family Rooms globally, benefiting millions of families every year.
The new Family Room, located on the first floor of the paediatric department at the Government Cancer Hospital, will offer a peaceful place for families while their children receive treatment, ensuring they can stay close to their loved ones in a comforting space. Equipped with a comfortable waiting area, rest zones, and clean and hygienic child-friendly play areas, the Family Room is designed to ease the emotional and physical burdens of long hospital stays. This space allows families to recharge, rest, and prepare themselves to remain strong for their child’s recovery journey.
This expansion, made possible through a collaboration with the Government Cancer Hospital, strengthens RMHC India’s presence and outreach in the country. This facility will make a significant difference in the lives of paediatric cancer patients and their loved ones who visit this hospital for critical care.
Smita Jatia, Chairwoman, RMHC India said, “Our expansion to the Government Cancer Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is a key milestone in our commitment to provide critical support to families in need. By establishing this Family Room, we can extend care and resources to even more children and their families, especially in Tier 2 towns and hinterlands of Maharashtra and neighbouring regions. This initiative reinforces our mission to ensure that care is not just limited to medical treatment but extends to the emotional well-being of both patients and their families.”
The Government Cancer Hospital, which serves over 9,000 patients annually from regions such as Marathwada, Vidarbha, and North Maharashtra, as well as border districts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, plays a pivotal role in providing specialized care. Its Paediatric Oncology department caters to approximately 500 children every year.
Dr. Shivaji Sukre, Dean – Government Cancer Hospital, emphasized the importance of this partnership and added, “The collaboration with RMHC India is a crucial step in enhancing the care we provide to paediatric cancer patients and their families. The Family Room is a much-needed space where families can find comfort and take a break during difficult times. By creating a playful and cheerful environment, this space will not only ease the stress families face but also contribute positively to the healing process for the children as they undergo treatment.”
RMHC India’s first Family Room at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital in Mumbai has been a beacon of hope for families since its establishment in 2016. Inspired by the success of this initiative, RMHC India is now committed to further extending its support to hospitals in more cities across the country, ensuring that more families benefit from the same level of care and compassion. Over the next three years, RMHC Family Rooms will serve thousands of children suffering from cancer and their family members, by offering a nurturing environment during their hospital visits. This new facility stands as a testament to RMHC India’s dedication to expanding its footprint and positively impacting more lives across India.
