Daily Current Affairs : 22-November-2023

Cancer, a formidable adversary to health, not only poses physical challenges but also inflicts a significant financial burden on patients and their families. A recent study has shed light on the noteworthy financial impact experienced by cancer patients in India.

Financial Impact of Cancers

Out-of-Pocket Expenditure

Despite the existence of health insurance through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), cancer patients in India grapple with exceptionally high out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Delays in government hospitals often force patients to seek private care, exacerbating their financial strain.

Transportation and Accommodation

The concentration of cancer care facilities in major cities compels patients from rural areas to embark on long journeys. Accommodation costs in urban centers further escalate the financial burden on these already vulnerable individuals.

Government Initiatives to Alleviate Financial Strain

State-Specific Initiatives

  • Free transport in public buses for cancer patients in Haryana.
  • Concessions on public bus tickets in Kerala.
  • Arogya Kosh scheme in Delhi, providing free cancer tests in private health centers.
The Way Forward

Establishment of Publicly Funded Cancer Care Centers

A long-term solution involves the establishment of publicly funded cancer care centers across the country. This would ensure that quality treatment is accessible without imposing an overwhelming financial burden on patients.

Financial Support Mechanisms

Drawing inspiration from the successful model implemented for TB patients under the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme – Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), a similar financial support system needs to be devised for cancer patients. This would provide relief to affected individuals and their families, helping them navigate the financial challenges associated with cancer treatment.

Important Points:
  • Financial Impact of Cancers
    • Despite health insurance (PMJAY), cancer patients face high out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE).
    • Delays in government hospitals drive patients to seek costly private care.
  • Transportation and Accommodation Challenges
    • Concentration of cancer care in major cities leads to long-distance travel for rural patients.
    • Accommodation costs in cities contribute to the financial strain on patients.
  • Government Initiatives
    • Haryana offers free public bus transport for cancer patients.
    • Kerala provides concessions on public bus tickets.
    • Delhi’s Arogya Kosh scheme facilitates free cancer tests in private health centers.
  • The Way Forward
    • Establish publicly funded cancer care centers nationwide for accessible treatment.
    • Create a financial support mechanism modeled after the successful Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) for TB patients.
Why In News

A recent study underscored the substantial financial burden on cancer patients in India, revealing the daunting challenges they face in accessing quality healthcare. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to alleviate the economic strain on these individuals and ensure equitable access to essential medical services.

MCQs about Cancer Costs in India

  1. What contributes to the high out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for cancer patients in India?
    A. Lack of health insurance
    B. Delays in government hospitals
    C. Abundant availability of cancer care facilities
    D. A and C
    Correct Answer: B. Delays in government hospitals
    Explanation: The delays in government hospitals force cancer patients to seek private care, contributing to the high out-of-pocket expenditure.
  2. How do patients from rural areas experience additional financial strain in accessing cancer care?
    A. Proximity to specialized cancer centers
    B. Concentration of cancer care in major cities
    C. Availability of affordable accommodation in urban areas
    D. Efficient public transportation in rural regions
    Correct Answer: B. Concentration of cancer care in major cities
    Explanation: The patients from rural areas face additional financial strain due to the concentration of cancer care facilities in major cities.
  3. Which state offers free public bus transport for cancer patients as a government initiative?
    A. Kerala
    B. Haryana
    C. Delhi
    D. Maharashtra
    Correct Answer: B. Haryana
    Explanation: Haryana provides free transport in public buses for cancer patients.
  4. What is proposed as a long-term solution to ease the financial burden on cancer patients in India?
    A. Increase out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) limits
    B. Establishment of publicly funded cancer care centers
    C. Reduce the availability of private health care
    D. Rely solely on existing health insurance schemes
    Correct Answer: B. Establishment of publicly funded cancer care centers
    Explanation: A long-term solution involves the establishment of publicly funded cancer care centers across the country.

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