# Binaytara Foundation

The Binaytara, formerly known as Binaytara Foundation, was co-founded in 2007 by Dr. Binay Shah and his wife Tara Shah. The organization focuses on minimizing cancer disparities through the development and implementation of several educational and community-oriented health programs in underserved areas. The organization pioneered community-focused initiatives to expand cancer care in Nepal, where it established a 25-bed cancer clinic and aims to further extend its services in the region.
To realize its mission of minimizing cancer disparities, Binaytara uses "The CARE model." This model emphasizes four aims alluding to Binaytara's key focus areas:
* Expand and enhance Cancer Care Center
* Improve Healthcare Access & Outcomes through Advocacy
* Foster Innovative Research in Implementation Science
* Strengthen Continuing Education (CE) Program
The BTF is a Washington State nonprofit organization exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

## Current projects

Binaytara Cancer Center: Binaytara opened the Binaytara Cancer Center on December 17, 2018, in Janakpur in Nepal. The 25-bed cancer center in Madhesh Province in Southern Nepal caters to over 1700 local cancer patients. It is the only cancer center in the region.
Center for Women's Cancer Access and Advocacy
The Center for Women's Cancer Access and Advocacy is an initiative by Binaytara aimed at reducing cancer disparities among women. This program combines screening services, treatment options, advocacy efforts, and collaboration with medical experts to enhance women's health outcomes.
Hematology/Oncology Conferences
Binaytara organizes continuing medical education (CME) conferences focused on hematology and oncology. These conferences are designed for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists, to enhance their knowledge and clinical skills. Binaytara is accredited by the Washington State Medical Association to provide CME credits and is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing to offer continuing education for nurses.
The organization employs various formats for its educational activities, including live conferences, webcasts, recorded sessions, journal-based learning, and game-based educational tools. These formats provide flexible learning opportunities for healthcare providers in different settings
Binaytara conferences cover a range of topics in hematology and oncology and select events include abstract presentations to facilitate knowledge-sharing among researchers and clinicians. The organization also offers self-paced online CME courses, allowing participants to earn credits and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) points recognized by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
The organization hosts multiple events annually, including the Summit on Cancer Health Disparities and the International Cancer Congress, which focus on emerging trends and disparities in cancer care. Additionally, professionals have opportunities to contribute to Binaytara's educational initiatives through committee participation, research presentations, and collaboration in future events.
Oncoblast
OncoBlast is a mobile application developed by Binaytara to enhance oncology education through gamified learning. Launched in 2024, it is designed to provide healthcare professionals with an interactive platform for acquiring oncology knowledge while earning Maintenance of Certification (MOC) points and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits at no cost. The app features expert-reviewed content that aligns with current best practices in cancer care.
OncoBlast offers a range of courses covering various oncology topics, including breast cancer, myeloma, and head and neck cancer. The platform employs a game-based approach to learning, which aims to improve engagement and knowledge retention. A global leaderboard is also integrated into the app, enabling users to compare their performance with peers.
Accredited by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), OncoBlast allows users to earn ABIM MOC points and AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ upon course completion. The app is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play, making it accessible to a broad audience. By incorporating technology into oncology education, OncoBlast aligns with Binaytara's broader efforts to address disparities in cancer care through knowledge dissemination.
The Cancer News
The Cancer News (TCN) is a trusted news platform established by the Binaytara Foundation, offering expert-driven insights into hematology and oncology. Designed for oncology professionals and those committed to advancing cancer care, TCN breaks down the latest research and complex medical developments into actionable knowledge. TCN covers a wide range of topics, including FDA approvals, clinical trial updates, expert opinions, and conference highlights. In addition to written content, TCN offers video news segments featuring expert analyses and interviews. These multimedia resources aim to provide diverse perspectives on emerging trends and developments in cancer care.
International Journal of Cancer Care and Delivery
The International Journal of Cancer Care and Delivery is a peer-reviewed, open-access medical journal published by the Binaytara Foundation. It focuses on advancing cancer care through research, innovative practices, and policy discussions. The journal provides a platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to share knowledge and collaborate on improving cancer treatment and delivery worldwide. It covers a range of topics, including healthcare disparities, patient-centered care, and emerging treatment models.
Binaytara Cancer Hospital in Nepal
Binaytara is expanding its efforts to improve cancer care access in southern Nepal and Bihar, India. The organization is currently constructing a 200-bed hospital to provide comprehensive cancer treatment. The facility will incorporate advanced medical technologies and establish specialized departments for different cancer types to improve treatment quality and patient care. The project involves collaboration with local and provincial governments, as well as international partners, to secure funding and resources.
Global Health Lecture Series
The Binaytara Foundation's Global Health Lecture Series, titled "Perspectives in Global Health – Exploring Challenges and Solutions," is a monthly educational program that addresses critical issues in global health. Each session features one or two prominent global health experts who share insights and innovative strategies, followed by interactive Q&A sessions. Topics covered include health equity, healthcare infrastructure, policy advancements, and cutting-edge medical technologies. The lectures are held on the last Wednesday of every month from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Pacific Standard Time, accessible via Zoom or in person at the Binaytara Foundation's office in Bellevue, Washington. The series aims to enhance understanding, stimulate critical discussions, and promote collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes worldwide.
Advocacy and Policy Debates
The Binaytara Foundation is organizing a panel session titled "Health Insurance in Nepal – Current Challenges and Opportunities" as part of its advocacy efforts to promote equitable healthcare access. The event will take place on March 10, 2025, at the Durbar Hall, Hotel Yak and Yeti, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The panel discussion will bring together healthcare policy experts, bureaucrats, politicians, and patient advocates to examine key issues in Nepal’s health insurance system. Topics will include affordability, accessibility, coverage gaps, and the integration of public and private health insurance schemes. Panelists will also explore potential policy solutions to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of health insurance programs, particularly in underserved areas.

## Past projects

Binaytara awarded grants for medical research in Nepal and India. The program started in 2008 and was awarded every year until 2015.
The cervical cancer screening program was conducted over six months starting in May 2014. More than 1,000 women were screened for cervical cancer.
Using wireless video consultation, experts from the U.S. volunteered in weekly telemedicine sessions with physicians in Manipal College of Medical Sciences in Pokhara, Nepal, between March 2010 and March 2012.
The bone marrow transplant (BMT) program is a joint venture between Binaytara, UIC Center for Global Health, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, and the Civil Service Hospital.

## Assets

As of 2022, Binaytara had net assets of $2,953,947.