• Lack of access to specialised paediatric oncology care: One key challenge in India is the lack of access to specialised paediatric oncology care, especially in rural areas. Tertiary hospitals providing such care are primarily located in urban centers, making it difficult for children in remote areas to receive timely and appropriate treatment.
• Underdeveloped infrastructure: Many tertiary hospitals in India lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to provide specialised paediatric oncology care. This includes a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, inadequate equipment, and limited facilities for radiation therapy or specialized surgeries.
• Financial barriers: The high cost of paediatric oncology treatment can be a major challenge for patients and their families, as many cannot afford the necessary healthcare services. Limited insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses further exacerbate the financial burden.
• Psychosocial support: Children with cancer require not only medical treatment but also psychosocial support. However, there is often a lack of comprehensive social workers, psychologists, or child life specialists to address the emotional and psychological needs of these young patients and their families.
• Delayed diagnosis and treatment: A significant challenge in specialised paediatric oncology care is the delay in diagnosis and treatment. Limited awareness among healthcare providers, lack of routine cancer screening programs, and diagnostic challenges contribute to delayed intervention, resulting in poorer outcomes for patients.

The findings of the survey highlight the existing gaps in specialised paediatric oncology care, urging the need for targeted interventions to address these challenges.