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The financial burden of cancer care in India is a significant concern. Cancer patients and their families often face substantial out-of-pocket expenses, which can lead to impoverishment and treatment discontinuation. As cancer incidence increases and treatment options become more complex, the financial strain on individuals and households continues to rise.

Factors Contributing to Financial Burden:

• Geographic disparities: Despite most of the population residing in rural set-ups, it is observed that rural areas lack specialised cancer treatment facilities, healthcare professionals, equipment’s and infrastructure.
• Non-medical costs: Expenses for food, transportation, and lodging, especially for patients seeking treatment in distant cities, can add to the overall financial burden.
• Loss of income: Cancer-related disability often leads to reduced productivity and earning potential of both the cancer patient and the caregiver further exacerbating financial hardship.
• Late-stage diagnosis: Most Indians are diagnosed during the later stages of their illness. Studies show that almost 75% of Indians have advanced disease at the time of their diagnosis and this directly co-relates to the increasing financial burden as it calls for possibly more expensive treatment protocols.
  Late-stage diagnosis could be attributed to a lack of awareness or lack of financial resources, societal taboos associated with a cancer diagnosis or simply the absence of available medical facilities.

Out-of-pocket medical expenditure:

Unlike the developed countries, healthcare in Indians is mainly restricted to out-of-pocket expenses. To cope with the financial burden of cancer care, many individuals resort to various strategies including the use of their savings, borrowing money, and selling their assets like property, vehicles or gold to cover medical costs.

A study conducted by Goyanka R. and colleagues demonstrated that 92% of medical expenditure incurred by patients in outpatient departments (OPD) comes from their incomes. 71.1% of patients report spending their savings when hospitalised, while 22% have had to borrow money or sell their assets to cover hospitalisation costs.

The Need for Policy Interventions

Given the escalating financial burden of cancer care in India, there is an urgent need for policy interventions to alleviate this strain. This may include:

• Expanding health insurance coverage: Expanding health insurance coverage to include cancer treatment can help protect patients from catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses.
• Subsidizing treatment costs: Government subsidies or financial assistance programs can reduce the financial burden for cancer patients.
• Improving access to care: Increasing the availability of cancer care facilities, especially in rural areas, can help reduce travel costs and improve access to treatment.
• Raising awareness: Public awareness campaigns can help educate individuals about the importance of early detection and prevention of cancer, which can ultimately reduce the financial burden associated with the disease.

Here's how M I O I C is making a difference:

• Expanding our Reach: We have established a vast network of over 22 cancer care centers across Maharashtra, Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh, ensuring wider access to our services, especially in rural areas.
• Comprehensive Care at Every Center: Our centers are equipped with semi-ICU setups, allowing us to provide comprehensive care for patients with varying needs.
• Expert Medical Oncologists: Our team of highly qualified medical oncologists brings years of experience and expertise to the treatment of cancer.
• Affordability and Accessibility: We strive to make our services accessible and affordable in a true sense.
• Government Scheme Support: We are committed to assisting patients who benefit from government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, ensuring they can access our services without undue financial burden, through our channel partners.

At M I O I C it is our mission to become a centre dedicated to helping Indians overcome the financial challenges associated with cancer treatment.

Dr. Makarand Randive
MD DNB ECMO
Consultant Cancer Physician
MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre, Nagpur.