A Call for Unity in Cancer Care: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor Patients in India

In a country where the stark contrast between the urban elite and rural poor continues to shape many aspects of life, the field of oncology is no exception. While patients in affluent areas receive state-of-the-art cancer care, those in rural regions or low-income urban centers face barriers that hinder access to even basic treatment. The government doesn’t have enough resources. Whenever a government spends money, the major share goes to the metros and the tier 1 city healthcare, as most of the population stays there. The Government schemes have helped, but the amount given is measly and more funds and benefits need to be offered for equitable healthcare. The Corporate sector doesn’t have any interest or profits to invest in the peripheral population, which may not be cost-effective. The attitude of private insurance companies is equally negative and they treat peripheral centers with disregard. The insurance money offered to the rural hospitals is a pittance. Unfortunately, even charitable organizations find it easy and populist, to donate and help, only to urban health care. Finally, the rural populace is left to fend for themselves. For a disease as mortal and devastating as cancer, this gap in care can often mean the difference between life and death.

The onus of equitable healthcare is definitely on the government but as oncology professionals, we cannot be mere bystanders. Most importantly, we have the power to shape the future of cancer care in our country. People are working with limited resources and providing the best efforts in the periphery but a majority of them remain powerless to change the system. This is a call to action, particularly to senior and well-placed oncologists, to come together and address this disparity. It is not only a moral imperative but also a medical responsibility to ensure that the care we provide is equitable—so that every patient, regardless of their economic background, receives the same high standard of care.

The Benefits of Equitable Care.

We are a very heterogeneous nation with different cultures, languages, socioeconomic strata, and beliefs. We cannot change all this easily. However for our nation to develop, we can improve on equitable education and healthcare. Only when we become equitable can we qualify to be a developing nation. We have a big GDP, we have sent missions to the moon and Mars, we have a strong army, a very tall statue, we have the richest men, and we have nuclear weapons and missiles, but we still are a developing nation. Even some wealthy nations are developing nations just because they aren’t equitable. And there are nations like Israel, Sweden, and New Zealand who don’t figure in any great showpieces or any great individual achievements but still qualify as developed countries. Individual glory doesn't mean anything unless we develop the nation as a whole.

Challenge: Unequal Access to Cancer Care

The statistics are well-known: In urban areas, wealthier patients have access to educated professionals, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, advanced treatments, and specialized care. Meanwhile, in rural and underserved areas, patients often must travel great distances, endure long waiting times, and face crippling financial barriers to access even basic oncology services.

The reasons behind this disparity are multifaceted: inadequate healthcare infrastructure, shortage of trained personnel, limited availability of medicines, and insufficient funding. As intellectuals, we must understand the gravity of the situation. I routinely see the frustration in our patients’ eyes as they wait for appointments, struggle to afford medications, or simply can’t access the treatment they need. The despair on their faces, when they realize that they cannot afford some high-quality treatment, is clear and saddening.

The Role of IASO: Leaders in Change

This is where senior and well-established oncosurgeons can make a transformative difference. Our experience, leadership, and position within the medical community grant you the unique ability to lead change. Not only can you directly improve the care your patients receive, but you also have the power to advocate for policy changes, raise awareness, and rally resources to help those in need. Mentorship of younger oncologists and the creation of training programs for physicians in underserved areas can ensure that quality care is not limited to a select few. We need partnerships with academic institutions, governments, and NGOs, so we can foster collaboration that leads to lasting change. Some of our powerful and senior oncologists and institutions have the clout to influence funding decisions and improve the allocation of resources toward the underfunded. Many of us are powerful and well-connected enough to nudge the Politicians and bureaucrats to fund and support the deficiencies, especially the Government scheme packages. The onus is on these people to help improve the healthcare to equitable levels.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The road ahead will not be easy, but it is not impossible. As cancer surgeons, we all share a singular goal, a responsibility, and a moral: to ensure that our patients, no matter where they live or how much they earn, have access to the life-saving care they deserve. With the collective efforts of senior oncologists, youngsters, the government, and the healthcare community as a whole, we can build a future where cancer care is no longer determined by wealth or location.

The time to act is now. Let’s unite in our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality cancer care for all, and ensure that those providing these services are taken care of.

Leadership is not about being the best, winning a prize, or an achievement. It is a responsibility on an arduous trek where we don't leave anyone behind.

With profound gratitude,
Dr Sharad Desai
President, IASO