Odisha is taking a major step to address delays in cancer care by introducing a specialized digital appointment platform focused exclusively on oncology services. The initiative, announced by the Health & Family Welfare Department, targets patients referred to government medical colleges, district hospitals, and dedicated cancer units where long queues and manual registration often delay critical interventions.

Through the upcoming portal (expected to integrate with the state’s e-Health ecosystem), patients or families can: Register with Aadhaar/ABHA linkage Upload referral slips, previous reports, and staging information Select preferred treatment centre and date window Receive priority based on clinical urgency (determined by uploaded documents and triage protocols) Track appointment status and receive automated reminders

The platform incorporates features to fast-track high-priority cases such as those requiring immediate chemotherapy, radiation, or palliative care ensuring timely slots without bypassing medical criteria. Real-time dashboards will help hospital administrators monitor load, allocate resources, and reduce no-shows through reminders and rescheduling options.

Odisha has seen a steady rise in cancer registrations, with oral, breast, cervical, and lung cancers leading the burden. Delays in starting treatment often due to overburdened OPDs and manual booking contribute to poorer outcomes. This digital intervention aims to bridge that gap, complement existing efforts like the Odisha Cancer Care Programme, free diagnostics under Niramaya Yojana, and expansion of oncology units.

The system is being developed with technical support from state IT agencies and is expected to go live in phases, starting with major cancer hubs before statewide rollout. Officials hope it will serve as a model for prioritizing other high-burden specialties in public health.