Sunita Rao: Transforming Cancer Care Through Philanthropy

I lead CSR and donor engagement at Tata Memorial Hospital, one of India’s largest cancer care institutions. At the forefront of fundraising, my work directly impacts over 70,000 patients annually, ensuring they receive the care they need.

With an all-women, three-member team, we raise funds for patient treatment, medical equipment, cancer research, and infrastructure development. In just 5.5 years, we have secured over ₹2,000 crores, supporting Tata Memorial Centre hospitals across India and enabling access to care for more than 100,000 patients every year. Thanks to these efforts, 60% of our patients receive free or highly subsidized treatment.

Recently, I spearheaded a fundraising and awareness initiative focused on common cancers affecting women in low-income communities in Mumbai. With nearly 2,000 women reached so far, our goal is to provide awareness and healthcare access to 25,000 women who might otherwise go without.

Our work was recognized at the World Cancer Congress 2024, where I had the honor of presenting our impact in Geneva. This initiative serves as a model for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), demonstrating how strategic fundraising can drive equitable healthcare delivery.

As a woman leader, I am committed to using my expertise to expand healthcare access and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer.

Sunita Rao

General Manager, Fundraising

Tata Memorial Centre