What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia highlights a significant improvement in the timely initiation of cancer treatment in India, largely attributed to the Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Since its launch in 2018, the scheme has played a pivotal role in reducing financial barriers and enhancing access to cancer care, particularly for the poor and vulnerable sections of society. This editorial delves into the findings of the study and underscores the importance of continued efforts to address the challenges in cancer treatment.
The study reveals that the odds of timely initiation of cancer treatment in India have increased by nearly 36% over the past six years. Timely treatment, defined as starting within 30 days of diagnosis, is crucial for improving patient outcomes. The AB-PMJAY scheme, which provides an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. The scheme’s impact is evident, with a 90% increase in timely treatment initiation for its beneficiaries compared to a 30% increase for those not enrolled under the scheme.
One of the key factors contributing to delayed treatment is the financial burden associated with cancer care. The AB-PMJAY scheme has significantly alleviated this burden by offering financial protection to millions of families. As a result, patients no longer have to delay or forgo treatment due to cost concerns. This financial assurance has bridged the gap between diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that more patients receive timely care.
Despite the progress, the study highlights a critical challenge in the availability of radiotherapy units. In high-income countries, there is typically one radiotherapy unit for every 250,000 people, translating to four units per million population. However, India faces a shortfall of over 4,000 radiotherapy units, with less than 1,000 units available for its population. This shortage leads to significant delays in the initiation of radiotherapy, which is a vital component of cancer treatment.
To address these challenges, the study recommends several measures:
Increasing the number of radiotherapy units and promoting local production of quality equipment like linear accelerators can help bridge the gap in radiotherapy access.
Enhancing population coverage under cancer screening programs can facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment initiation.
Rationalizing the existing health benefits packages under AB-PMJAY to provide affordable and equitable radiation treatment is essential.
The success of the AB-PMJAY scheme in improving timely cancer treatment initiation is commendable. However, there is a need for continued efforts to address the existing challenges and ensure that all patients have access to comprehensive cancer care. Strengthening infrastructure, expanding screening programs, and refining health benefit packages are crucial steps in this direction.
