The Committee batted for establishing additional diagnostic centres, especially in underserved and rural regions. It recommended that cancer diagnostic packages with standardised pricing be developed under government-regulated health insurance schemes to enable wider inclusion.The availability of diagnostic services at regulated package rates would facilitate the inclusion of such centres in insurer networks, thereby extending the cashless treatment facility to a broader section of beneficiaries, the panel said.In light of the low rate of cancer screening in the country, the Committee also recommended that the government should scale up the national screening programme, with particular focus on regions with limited access to medical care.In addition to expanding screening infrastructure, it urged the government to intensify awareness campaigns across the country. These campaigns should be region-specific, rather than generalised, to ensure maximum outreach.The non-government organisations should be actively involved as they are well aware of the ground realities and possess valuable experience of working with local communities.Given the social stigma still associated with cancer in many parts of the country, leveraging these partnerships will effectively supplement the efforts of the government in conveying the preventive messages, it said while suggesting utilisation of services of celebrities, especially celebrity cancer survivors, to drive home the importance of early screening.The panel noted that Patient Assistance Programmes are a commendable initiative by the government aimed at ensuring access to affordable medicines, particularly for economically vulnerable sections of society.Programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) play a critical role in providing low-cost medicines to patients from low-income groups.It noted that while some pharmaceutical firms offer patient support programmes, their presence remains limited. It recommended engaging more pharmaceutical manufacturers to implement such initiatives, particularly in areas where access to healthcare services is inadequate.”This would greatly enhance the accessibility and affordability of essential treatments for disadvantaged populations. The Patient Assistance Programmes must also educate the patients about the treatment methodologies available and ensure that they adhere to the treatment plan. They should also be educated about the different government schemes available,” the panel recommended.
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