Published Paper


An Observational Analysis of impact of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana on financial toxicity inflicted on patients and their family in Cancer Treatment: A study from the Kumaon region of India

Lalit Mohan, Jalaj Gaur, Aradhana Arya, Kailash Chandra Pandey, Nirdosh Kumar Pant
Haldwani, Uttarakhand
Page: 66-69
Published on: 2023 June

Abstract

Background: Cancer treatment requires multi-modality and multi-specialty care. The expenditure of cancer treatment degrades quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients as well as their family. The Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) of Government of India bears the major part of the expenses of treatment of eligible patients. Objective: We planned this cross sectional study to measure the impact of this government aid in QOL of cancer patients and their family. Subjects and Methods: All patients diagnosed and treated for cancer with radical intension from 1st April 2019 to 31st March2022; visiting in outdoor patients department of State Cancer Institute, Haldwani, India were asked to read and fill questionnaire, inquiring the details of their expenditure on specialist consultation, cancer investigations, surgery, procuring drugs and undergoing procedures. Of the 276 patients eligible for this study visited in outdoor patient department during 1st Oct 2022 to 31st December 2022; 264 patients were analyzed. Results: Of the 264 patients analyzed in the study, 227 (86%) patients were eligible for AB-PMJAY. The median monthly income was ?5700 ($68.5). Grade I, II, III and IV financial toxicities experienced by AB-PMJAY beneficiary patients were 73%, %, 21%, 3% and 3% respectively and that majorly due to undergoing expensive radical surgery or procedures in private hospitals. Grade I, II, III and IV financial toxicities experienced by AB-PMJAY non-beneficiary patients were 31%, 28%, 32% and 11% respectively. Financial distress was severe in patients undergoing radical treatment e.g. Surgery or Radiotherapy in private/ corporate hospitals.  Patients undergoing all treatment in AB-PMJAY accredited hospitals experienced only grade I toxicity and the mean expenses on treatment under AB-PMJAY was ?2606. Conclusion: Financial toxicities inflicted on AB-PMJAY beneficiary patients were significantly low. Financially weak patients should be encouraged to undergo complete cancer treatment in AB-PMJAY accredited hospitals.

 

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