Implemented with Doctors for You, the programme provides navigation, counselling and assistance with welfare schemes to people affected by cancer and rare diseases.
Pfizer has reported that Project AASTHA, its healthcare-support initiative implemented with Doctors for You, has assisted more than 10 lakh patients and caregivers across India since its inception in 2022.
The programme provides non-clinical support to people living with cancer and rare diseases, including guidance through hospital and treatment processes, counselling, assistance with government welfare schemes and connections to financial and other support services.
According to Pfizer, the reported beneficiaries include approximately 9.25 lakh people affected by cancer and 75,000 people living with rare diseases. The company said the programme operates through 15 Cancer Centres of Excellence and five Rare Disease Centres of Excellence across hospitals.
Pfizer also reported that Project AASTHA has helped more than 29,000 beneficiaries access financial assistance and facilitated treatment support for over 33,000 patients. Nearly 8,000 children, including those affected by genetic and rare diseases, have received specialised support under the programme, it added.
In Karnataka, the initiative has reportedly supported more than 59,000 patients, facilitated over 38,000 applications for government healthcare funding and enabled treatment assistance for more than 33,000 people.
The milestone was marked during AASTHA CareConnect 2026 in Bengaluru, which brought together government representatives, healthcare professionals, policymakers, patient advocates and development-sector organisations to discuss patient navigation and continuity of care.
Meenakshi Nevatia, Country President, Pfizer India, said the programme was intended to help patients and caregivers navigate treatment pathways through guidance, counselling and non-medical assistance.
Dr Rajat Jain, President, Doctors for You, said the partnership would seek to expand helpdesk-led patient-navigation models and improve the use of government health and social-welfare schemes.
Project AASTHA operates hospital helpdesks and a daily helpline offering support between 8 am and 8 pm, according to the organisations.
