Rahul Bhargava, Director and Head of Hematology, Hematooncology, and Stem Cell Transplant at Fortis Health Care, shared on LinkedIn:
“Lower cancer drug prices can do something even greater: build trust.
I welcome the Government of India’s move to make cancer medicines more affordable.
Yesterday alone, we received five consultations from patients attending AIIMS Rishikesh and AIIMS New Delhi, asking a simple question:
‘Will treatment at Fortis now become more affordable?’
My answer was hopeful: lower medicine prices should help us offer more affordable treatment, with transparent estimates based on each patient’s needs.
Our public institutions and their dedicated doctors carry an enormous responsibility. Many patients with myeloma and lymphoma need repeated outpatient treatment. If more families can confidently access affordable care closer to home, it could ease pressure on crowded centres and allow patients to begin and continue treatment with fewer delays.
Many people see the 30% trade-margin cap primarily as a pricing measure. I also see it as an opportunity to build confidence – by reducing uncertainty about the cost of cancer care.
Hospitals must now earn that confidence through clear bills, honest counselling and savings that reach patients.
At our Lymphoma and Myeloma Centre of Excellence at Fortis, our commitment is to combine appropriate modern treatment with affordability and measurable outcomes. For myeloma, our ambition is to help more patients reach ten years and beyond, while recognising that outcomes depend on each patient’s disease and circumstances.
For lymphoma, our purpose remains timely diagnosis, the best appropriate treatment and the greatest possible chance of lasting remission.
Affordability opens the door. Transparency builds trust. Outcomes fulfil the promise.”
You can also read:
Anuranjan Srivastava on the Price Reduction of 137 Cancer Drugs in India
