World Health Day: Lack of funds main hinderance to cure cancer, say doctors

As the World Health Day will be observed globally on April 7, where the theme is 'Universal Health Coverage- Health for All', doctors in India say that the major factor hindering patients from getting the cure is funds. Universal coverage is important here due to the growing lifestyle ailments.

According to the National Cancer Registry programme of the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR), one out of eight men has the possibility of developing cancer in his lifetime (0-74 years). Similarly, one out of nine women has the possibility to develop cancer in her lifetime (0-74 years).

"Finances make it difficult for patients to get bone marrow transplant to cure cancer," said Dr Navin Khattry, Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital.

Data reveals that India's private healthcare spending currently stands at $90 billion a year. Of this, merely a third is covered by insurance, and the balance $60 billion is met largely with borrowings from friends and family.

Crowdfunding platforms are supporting such patients. One such platform, Milaap, raised over Rs 120 crores in the past four years for medical emergencies.