Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases, affecting millions worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India. While medical advancements have improved survival rates, the financial burden of cancer treatment remains insurmountable for many patients and their families. Subsidizing cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, is a necessary step to ensure equitable access to healthcare. A commendable example is the 50% discount on chemotherapy drugs at a medical shop in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, which has provided significant relief to cancer patients. This initiative should serve as a model for pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and government-run hospitals to implement similar subsidies. Without such measures, many cancer patients are forced to abandon treatment due to financial constraints, leading to unnecessary suffering and loss of life.
The Financial Burden of Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment is prohibitively expensive, often requiring multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. The cost of chemotherapy alone can range from thousands to lakhs of rupees per session, making it unaffordable for a majority of patients in India. Unlike developed nations with robust healthcare systems, India lacks universal health coverage, leaving many families in financial distress.
Patients and their families frequently deplete their life savings, sell valuable assets, and even take loans at exorbitant interest rates to fund cancer treatment. Unfortunately, many are unable to sustain the financial strain and are forced to discontinue treatment halfway. The impact of this financial burden is not limited to the patient alone but extends to their families, leading to physical, psychological, and emotional burnout.
The Role of Philanthropy and Government in Subsidizing Cancer Treatment
Organizations like HPVT, Athrout Cancer Society, Help Saba Charitable Cancer Trust and Transworld Drug Outlets have been playing a crucial role in providing some level of subsidy to cancer patients. However, the demand far outweighs the supply, leading to donor fatigue. It is imperative for pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and government institutions to step up their efforts in subsidizing cancer treatment. The medical shop in Malviya Nagar setting an example by offering a 50% discount on chemotherapy drugs highlights the need for similar initiatives across India.
State-run hospitals, particularly tertiary care institutions, should prioritize subsidizing cancer treatment. Currently, patients are forced to resort to crowd funding campaigns to raise lakhs for treatment, reflecting the dire need for systematic financial support. The government needs to take proactive measures to ensure that healthcare remains a priority over short-term populist policies such as loan waivers and other financial freebies.
Learning from Global Models: The NHS Example
India can take inspiration from the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, where every citizen receives high-quality medical care regardless of their socioeconomic status. In contrast, India’s healthcare system is highly fragmented, with a stark disparity between private and public healthcare services. The affluent minority can afford world-class treatment, while the vast majority struggle to access even basic cancer care.
With the increasing longevity of India’s population, the incidence of cancer is expected to rise. Currently, India’s cancer mortality rate is 2.5 times that of the US, primarily due to inadequate healthcare resources. As the economy grows, there is hope that healthcare funding will improve, thereby reducing these disparities. However, immediate action is required to prevent thousands of preventable deaths each year.
Addressing Corruption and Misuse of Health Schemes
The introduction of health insurance schemes such as the Golden Card has provided some respite to cancer patients. However, reports of misuse and corruption in the system raise concerns about its effectiveness. Allegations of unnecessary surgeries and treatments being conducted for monetary gains need thorough investigation and stricter regulations. Transparency and accountability must be ensured to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable patients.
Prioritizing Healthcare and Education over Political Freebies
Healthcare and education should be the pillars of any progressive society. Unfortunately, in India, these sectors often take a backseat to short-term political gains. Instead of allocating funds for loan waivers and other non-essential subsidies, the government should focus on making quality healthcare accessible to all. Establishing a sustainable subsidy system for cancer treatment should be a national priority.
The pharmaceutical industry must also recognize its moral obligation. Many companies have built enormous wealth by selling life-saving drugs at exorbitant prices. Instead of exploiting desperate patients, they should collaborate with government bodies and NGOs to make cancer drugs more affordable. It is imperative for both the public and private sectors to work together in addressing the financial crisis faced by cancer patients.
The Social Impact of Cancer on Families
Beyond the financial implications, cancer deeply affects families on a psychological and emotional level. Caregivers experience immense stress, often neglecting their own health and well-being. The physical and emotional toll of caring for a cancer patient can lead to depression, anxiety, and burnout. Support systems, both financial and psychological, must be strengthened to assist families in coping with these challenges.
When families are financially burdened, they often lack the resources to seek counseling or mental health support. This further exacerbates the crisis, leading to deteriorating mental health among caregivers. Subsidized treatment, along with emotional support initiatives, can help mitigate these issues.
Encouraging Community Support and Philanthropy
Society as a whole has a responsibility to support cancer patients. Initiatives like the 50% discount on chemotherapy at Malviya Nagar should be replicated nationwide. The Karvan community and other social organizations must engage with pharmaceutical giants to negotiate fair pricing for life-saving drugs. A collective effort is needed to ensure that no patient is denied treatment due to financial constraints.
Government policies should encourage corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at cancer care. Tax incentives and public recognition for companies that contribute to subsidizing cancer treatment can motivate more businesses to participate in philanthropic efforts.
A Call for Action
Cancer treatment must be made more accessible and affordable through subsidies, transparent health schemes, and community-driven efforts. The example set by the medical shop in Malviya Nagar is a beacon of hope and should inspire more such initiatives across India. The government, pharmaceutical industry, NGOs, like HPVT, Athrout, Help Saba Charitable cancer Trust , Cancer society Kashmir, Transworld healthcare and civil society must work together to create a healthcare system where cancer treatment is a right, not a privilege.
India stands at a critical juncture in healthcare reform. Prioritizing cancer care and making treatment affordable will save countless lives and prevent families from falling into financial ruin. It is time to move beyond short-term political appeasement and invest in the long-term well-being of the nation. Every individual deserves the best possible healthcare, irrespective of their financial status. The world must recognize the urgency of this issue and act swiftly to alleviate the suffering of millions battling cancer.
(Author is medical doctor at Mubarak hospital, Cancer campaigner, Director Healthcare Help Saba Charitable cancer Trust, contributes columns on social, moral and religious issues and can be reached at: [email protected])
