Ms. Poonam Bagai
Project lead - PACER
Ms. Poonam Bagai is a cancer survivor, patient advocate, and the Founder-Chairperson of CanKids KidsCan, India’s leading NGO for childhood cancer. She is also the Co-Founder of PACER, strengthening patient voices in clinical research and policy. A former civil servant, she is a member of the ICMR Central Ethics Committee on Human Research (2023–2026) and serves on several national and international boards in cancer and palliative care.
She has been recognized with many honors, including the Jijabai Award for Social Impact (2024), Women Leaders in Social Impact (2021), the KarmaveerMaharatna Award (2019), and the Nargis Dutt Cancer Conqueror Award (2015). Her work continues to shape patient-centric advocacy, equity, and access to care in India.
Dr. Pooja Sharma
Project Lead - PACER
Dr. Pooja Sharma MD (Obs & Gynae) is a clinician researcher with 25 years of experience in clinical research. She is a Senior Researcher at CanKids KidsCan and leads the PACER project, making clinical research in India more patient-centric and inclusive. She has earlier worked at AIIMS, SAS New Delhi, and has led the team at Medanta Institute of Education & Research for 12 years. Dr. Sharma also chairs several ethics committees and advises GD Goenka University.
She has been recognized with awards including the Woman Achiever Award (2017), Exemplary Contribution Award (2018), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grant (2008).
Dr. Adarsh Keshari
Research Fellow / Patient Advocate
Dr. Adarsh Keshari, Pharm.D, is a Senior Research Fellow at Apar Health, a Volunteer at the PACER Project, and a committed Patient Advocate. With multiple research publications, he is dedicated to bridging the gap between patients and research. He is passionate about advancing healthcare through innovative research, fostering collaborative partnerships, and upholding scientific excellence.
Dr. Rhea Aggarwal
Co-Founder APAR Health / Patient Advocate
Dr. Rhea Aggarwal, MBBS, is the Co-Founder of Apar Health, a Volunteer at the PACER Project, and a dedicated Patient Advocate. She has multiple research publications and a strong interest in bridging the gap between patients and research. Her key focus areas include patient centricity, integrating patient care with research, and developing educational models that make research accessible, relevant, and actionable for future professionals.
Ms. Khushboo Sharma
Chief Project Coordinator
Ms. Khushboo Sharma is the Chief Project Coordinator of PACER Project. She is a committed Patient Advocate. She brings strong research knowledge and expertise, working with the Pediatric Cancer Research Institute, Cankids Kidscan to advance patient-centered studies. Her work focuses on patient engagement, advocacy, and developing patient-centric models that improve access, equity, and outcomes in healthcare.
Mr. Nirbhay Singh
Patient Advocate & PNAFE Head, CanKids KidsCan
Mr. Nirbhay Singh is the Patient Advocate Lead and Head of the PNAFE Department at CanKids KidsCan, a part of organising team at the PACER Project, and a passionate Patient Advocate. With a Master’s in Social Work, he brings strong expertise in patient engagement, family support, and advocacy. His work focuses on empowering patients and caregivers, building community-led initiatives, and advancing patient-centered care in pediatric oncology.
Dr. Haresh Gupta
Patient Advocate & Chief Program Officer – Medical & Research, CanKids KidsCan
Dr. Haresh Gupta is the Head of Medical & Research at CanKids KidsCan, a core member of the PACER organizing team, and a dedicated Patient Advocate. With extensive expertise in patient handling and program leadership, he works to strengthen patient-centered care, integrate research with clinical practice, and build models that improve outcomes and dignity for children with cancer and their families.
Patient advocacy Groups
Total Organizations
28
Disease Categories
13
Featured
6
Hriday Amrit
Foundation
- Heart Health
Lifestyle Diseases
Leukemia
Crusaders
- Leukemia
Cancer & Related Diseases
Golden
Butterflies
- Palliative Care
Supportive Care
Diabetes Fighters
Trust
- Type 1 Diabetes
Lifestyle Diseases
DigiSwasthya Foundation
- Cancer
Cancer & Related Diseases
Mitra
Foundation
- Women empowerment
Empowerment