‘Now health benefit packages under PMJAY have become more realistic for hospitals’

Several cancers (pancreas, lung, oesophagus, stomach) are difficult to diagnose early, and there are not many well-established screening tests that are effective and cost effective in the Indian scenario to be implemented at population level.

world cancer day, dr pramesh interview with indian express

Dr C S Pramesh, Director, Tata Memorial Hospital and a board member of Union International for Cancer Control. (Express Photo)

As efforts were made on World Cancer Day on February 4 to call on governments to act to reduce inequities that exist in accessing quality cancer services, Dr C S Pramesh, Director of Tata Memorial Hospital and a board member of Union International for Cancer Control, told The Indian Express that cancer care under the health benefits packages of the AB-PMJAY scheme has been expanded with packages being more realistic for hospitals to adopt than previous versions.

On diagnostics and treatment

The Union government has taken several steps towards ensuring quality cancer care to patients diagnosed with the disease. First, the AB PM-JAY scheme that covers over 500 million of the country’s population with a family cover of Rs 5 lakh per year has been a boon for patients. Over the past few years, the cancer-related packages under the Health Benefits Packages of the AB PM-JAY have been expanded, with the packages being more realistic for hospitals to adopt than previous versions. In addition, the linkage of reimbursement under the scheme to the National Cancer Grid evidence-based guidelines ensures that the right protocols are followed in diagnosis and treatment. The government is also setting up more publicly funded government centres capable of treating cancer. Tata Memorial Centre alone has expanded substantially to different parts of the country – in addition to the centres in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai which have expanded in its capacity, TMC now has cancer centres in Varanasi (two), Punjab (two), Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Muzaffarpur. Two more centres in Jatni (Odisha) and Khopoli (Maharashtra) have been approved.

On early detection and treatment

It is estimated that nearly 1.35 million new patients with cancer are diagnosed annually in India. This is projected to increase to nearly 1.7 million by 2035, mainly as a result of increased life expectancy, growing population and changing lifestyles. We have not yet seen any clear indication of the outcomes of screening or early detection of cancers in India outside of research studies. However, it will take time after implementation of screening/early detection programmes and stabilization of the processes before we can see a reduction in mortality due to these cancers.

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What about hard-to-detect cancers (GI- cancers)

Several cancers (pancreas, lung, oesophagus, stomach) are difficult to diagnose early, and there are not many well-established screening tests that are effective and cost effective in the Indian scenario to be implemented at population level. Increased awareness among the public, along with education and training of primary care physicians, are important to promote awareness and early detection of these cancers based on early warning signs.

Avoid tobacco, step up physical activity

The most effective prevention is healthier lifestyles – by this, avoiding tobacco (in any form) and alcohol, more physical activity and avoiding obesity, and prevention of infections are the important strategies we need to adopt. Someone who doesn’t use tobacco and is physically fit and active has a much lower chance of developing cancer than others. Meanwhile, this is the last year of the ‘close the care gap’ theme that the UICC initiated three years ago. Much has been done in these three years – most importantly creating awareness among the public and governments about disparities in cancer care, issues of access and affordability, and initiatives that address them. At a global level, the UICC has come out with a World Cancer Day 2024 equity report and the global call for action. “There is still a long way to go, not just within India, but globally, and we are taking several initiatives to truly close the care gap,” Dr Pramesh said.

Anuradha Mascarenhas

Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More

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