Parliamentary Panel Urges Standardized Cancer Healthcare Packages

New Delhi, Aug 21 (PTI): A parliamentary panel has called for the creation of standardized cancer diagnostic packages with regulated pricing under government health insurance schemes to boost accessibility. The Rajya Sabha's Committee on Petitions, led by Narain Dass Gupta, emphasized in its 163rd report the need to extend price caps by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) on essential anti-cancer drugs to include vaccines, immunotherapy, and oral chemotherapy. This approach aims to reduce insurance costs and make cancer insurance more affordable for a broader population segment.

The report recommends a significant increase in cancer hospitals with cutting-edge technology funded by government, private sector participation, and public-private partnerships. These hospitals should be included within insurer networks to provide cashless services, while standardized treatment packages could help insurers pass on financial benefits to policyholders. The panel highlighted the importance of early detection through dedicated cancer screening centers.

Policy interventions are needed to integrate cancer screening into major health schemes like PMJAY and under CGHS and ECHS to utilize private diagnostic infrastructure for public health objectives. The panel stated that an accessible and affordable cancer care system requires a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder strategy supported by robust governmental policies.

Effective public-private partnerships, standardized treatment protocols, and expanded insurance coverage are essential to reducing patients' financial burdens. The panel stressed enhancing healthcare infrastructure and public awareness as vital parts of a strong cancer care framework. It also identified a substantial gap in diagnostic centers, especially in rural areas, urging the need for more facilities and oncologists outside urban centers.

The report advocates for the establishment of more diagnostic centers in underserved and rural regions, insisting on standardized pricing in government-regulated health insurance schemes for broader inclusion. The availability of diagnostic services at regulated rates would integrate these centers into insurer networks, expanding cashless treatment facilities. Given the low cancer screening rate, it urged the government to enhance the national screening program, focusing on areas with limited healthcare access and intensifying region-specific awareness campaigns.

Engagement with NGOs is crucial, as they understand local realities and have valuable community experience. Given the social stigma around cancer, partnerships, and the involvement of celebrities, especially cancer survivors, are recommended to promote early screening. Patient Assistance Programmes, like the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which provide affordable medicines, play a vital role. The panel suggests involving more pharmaceutical firms in such programmes, especially in areas lacking healthcare access, and emphasizes educating patients on treatment options and government schemes.

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