Life or Debt? Lancet Report Exposes Why India's Cancer Care is a 'Privilege'

The report suggests that systemic inequalities and the lack of universal affordable care are driving millions of families into poverty. File Photo.

Life or Debt? Lancet Report Exposes Why India’s Cancer Care is a 'Privilege'

The Lancet’s new report has revealed an alarming situation about the staggering financial burden of cancer treatment in India, where medical expenses are outstripping the average household income. 

According to the study, the out-of-pocket cost for a single cancer hospitalisation in private facilities can range from INR 39,085 to as high as INR 93,000. These figures are in stark contrast to the average monthly labour income in the country, which is estimated at just INR 11,233.

As per the research titled "Intersectionality of cancer disparities in South Asia", the high cost of care is leading to "catastrophic health expenses" for millions. 

The report highlights that despite initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat scheme, marginalised communities continue to face major challenges for life-saving treatment. 

The report suggests that systemic inequalities and the lack of universal affordable care are driving millions of families into poverty.

The study also points to a critical lack of awareness. In rural North India, only 20.6% of participants knew breast cancer was the most common cancer among women. Furthermore, the report reveals a massive burden of cervical cancer, with 132,000 new cases annually, yet screening rates for women remain as low as 2%. 

Source: The Tribune