In the year 2020, there were 13.9 lakh cancer patients in India, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research. The number is expected to rise to 15.7 lakh by 2020, roughly equal to 0.11% of India’s total population. The number is high, so is the cost of treatment. Cancer treatment is a long process and costs not less than Rs 1 lakh. The type of cancer, its stage, and whether it’s a public or private hospital determine the cost. Then there is the out-of-pocket expenditure that escalates the cost of cancer treatment. Although the affluent can find a way to manage it, what about the underprivileged in the country? India is home to 364 million people who live below the poverty line, according to the UN’s estimate. A not-for-profit organisation that is working to provide cancer treatment to underprivileged patients is the ‘Indian Cancer Society’.
Supported 10,000 Cancer Patients Since 2011
The Cancer Cure Fund is a subsidiary of the ICS. In a collaboration with HDFC AMC, it has provided monetary support to about 10,000 underprivileged cancer patients since 2011. The year marks ten years since it started working for this cause. The funds disbursed during these 10 years amount to Rs 172 crore, the NGO said. In recent years, companies such as BPCL have also joined the cause, it said. Others also donate for the cause, it added.
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How It Works
(Photo Credit: Indian Cancer Society)
The NGO has tied up with 17 hospitals, across the country, from Kashmir to Kerala and from Assam to Maharashtra. The Cancer Cure Fund supports each underprivileged cancer patient with up to Rs 5 lakh, the Indian Cancer Society said. Through deliberations and dialogue, it has been able to cut down cancer treatment costs, the benefit of which is passed on to the patients, the fund said. The patients are also evaluated and advised by cancer specialists free of cost. It is also incorporating artificial intelligence for prompt disbursal of funds to the patients. Not just that, over the past decade, the NGO has also worked to spread awareness on cancer, the need for screening, and the treatment that follows.
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More and more people are being diagnosed with cancer in recent years. Although with the advancement of technology, patients are receiving better and more efficient help. It is, however, a costly procedure, which many are not able to afford. At such a time, we can take steps to help such patients so that they get the care they need and deserve.
Photo Credit: Indian Cancer Society