Leading oncologists, cancer survivors, and public health experts have urged the government to develop a national strategy that improves access to advanced cancer therapies across India. They stressed that while cancer treatment has made significant progress, many patients still cannot benefit because of high treatment costs, limited insurance coverage, inadequate diagnostic facilities, and unequal healthcare infrastructure.
Balancing Innovation with Affordability
During a roundtable on Bridging Innovation and Affordability in Cancer Care, experts emphasized that India does not have to choose between innovation and affordability. Instead, they recommended prioritizing treatments that offer the greatest clinical benefit and are supported by strong scientific evidence.
As per The Economic Times, experts also called for stronger health technology assessments, wider insurance coverage, and the gradual inclusion of proven cancer therapies under government-funded schemes such as Ayushman Bharat to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket expenses.
Need for Precision Medicine and Research
Experts highlighted that precision medicine can improve patient outcomes while ensuring efficient use of healthcare resources. They also encouraged greater collaboration in clinical research, saying India has the expertise and diverse patient population needed to generate evidence that supports wider access to innovative therapies.
Focus on Prevention and Early Detection
In addition to expanding treatment access, the panel urged policymakers to strengthen cancer prevention through tobacco control, HPV and Hepatitis B vaccination, early diagnosis, and organized screening programmes. They concluded that collaboration among the government, healthcare institutions, researchers, industry, and patient groups is essential to make quality cancer care more accessible and affordable for all.