How do frequent increases in treatment costs for severe diseases affect access to healthcare in India?

Frequent increases in treatment costs for severe diseases like respiratory and cardiac conditions have a significant impact on access to healthcare in India. With a large section of the population lacking comprehensive health insurance and relying on out-of-pocket expenditure, rising medical expenses can create serious barriers, particularly for the poor and vulnerable groups.

• Reduced Affordability: Higher treatment costs make it difficult for low- and middle-income families to afford necessary medical care, leading many to delay or forgo treatment.
• Increased Financial Burden: Out-of-pocket health spending can push families into debt or poverty, especially when severe illnesses require long-term or intensive care.
• Widening Health Inequality: Vulnerable populations, such as the rural poor, elderly, and informal sector workers, are disproportionately affected, widening the gap between those who can and cannot access quality healthcare.
• Dependence on Public Healthcare: As private healthcare becomes more expensive, there is increased pressure on already overburdened public hospitals, often leading to overcrowding and reduced quality of care.
• Delayed or Incomplete Treatment: Many patients may opt for cheaper, less effective treatments or discontinue care midway, resulting in poorer health outcomes and higher mortality rates.
• Impact on Preventive Care: Rising costs can discourage people from seeking timely check-ups or preventive measures, making diseases harder and more expensive to treat later.