NEW DELHI: With only about 5% of district hospitals in the country currently offering cancer-care services, for lakhs of patients from smaller towns and rural areas travelling long distances for diagnosis and treatment has become a sort of an ordeal.
According to the government data, around 70% of cancer patients are estimated to live in rural areas.
The gap could become more difficult to bridge as India’s cancer burden rises. Annual new cancer diagnoses are projected to increase from more than 1.5 million currently to nearly 2.5 million by 2045, a rise of about 67%.
Expanding treatment facilities must go hand in hand with prevention, screening and early diagnosis closer to where people live,, said experts at the Indian Cancer Society (ICS), Delhi’s annual seminar on “Bridging Innovation & Affordability in Cancer Care”, held recently.
Oncologists, public health experts, insurers, hospital representatives and pharmaceutical industry professionals called for stronger cancer-care services in Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities and rural areas.
They said district hospitals could play a larger role in screening, basic diagnosis, initial treatment and referral to specialised centres. ICS has been working in the cancer-care sector for the last 75 years.
Speaking at the seminar, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu emphasised the importance of detecting cancer early.
“The Prime Minister and the government believe that healthcare should be accessible, available and affordable to all. One of the most effective ways of making cancer care more affordable is to detect the disease early. Screening and early detection can make a fundamental difference,” Sandhu said.
He also stressed the need for a stronger referral network.
“A better referral system can ensure that patients enter the healthcare system early. The connection between primary healthcare, diagnostic services and specialised hospitals can make a significant difference,” he said.
Dr Chintamani, senior consultant, surgery and chairperson, surgical oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, said access was improving in some smaller cities but more needed to be done.
“Cancer-care facilities are still limited when we look beyond the major cities. But the scenario is changing. With Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, cancer-care facilities are increasingly becoming available in smaller cities as well. We should continue to take care closer to patients,” Dr Chintamani said.
Prof Ravi Mehrotra, former Director of ICMR-NICPR, said cancer care did not require a specialised centre in every district.
“What we need is to ensure that basic diagnostics and initial cancer care are available closer to the patient. Specialised centres can provide advanced care and expertise, with district-level facilities connected to them through a hub-and-spoke model,” Prof Mehrotra said.
Under such a system, district hospitals could undertake basic screening and diagnostic tests, identify suspected cases and refer patients to specialised centres. This could also reduce unnecessary travel and delays in treatment.
Vinay Subramanian, Commercial Head (VP), Oncology, GSK Pharmaceutical Ltd., highlighted this often overlooked cost.
“For many families, around 60% of the overall expenditure can go towards commuting, food and other expenses, while only about 40% is the actual cost of treatment. If we can provide at least early care at the district level, it can change the situation,” he said.
Insurance can offer some financial protection, but experts said coverage and awareness also need to improve. Patients and families need to understand what their policies cover before they begin treatment.
Dr Abhitabh Gupta, Chief Business Executive, Ace Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd while moderating the panel on “Insurance Coverage with Emphasis on High-Volume Outreach,”.said: “Insurance coverage, and innovative models of outreach can play an important role in reducing the economic burden on families.”
Dr PN Arora, Chairman and Managing Director, Yashoda Group of Hospitals, also highlighted the need for greater transparency between insurers and healthcare providers. Clearer communication, he said, can help patients understand their coverage and navigate treatment.
Jyotsna Govil, Chairperson, ICS, said, “We have been working for cancer patients for the last 75 years, and our main concern has always been to make cancer care more and more affordable. Access to care should not become another burden for a patient who is already dealing with cancer.”
The society’s Cancer Sahyog initiative also works with cancer survivors and caregivers, providing emotional and practical support and helping families navigate healthcare and financial-support systems, she added.
