Cancer patients pushed towards costly private treatment amid treatment delays
– Cancer patients continue to be pushed into a desperate situation as delays in essential radiation treatment force many to seek treatment through private hospitals, with the burden falling particularly heavily on children and their families.
More than 1,000 cancer patients are reportedly waiting for radiation therapy after the CT simulation service required for treatment planning at a major cancer hospital has not been functioning properly since April 28.The situation has raised serious concerns over delays in cancer care, with patients who cannot afford to wait being compelled to explore private facilities at a staggering cost.Patients seeking the procedure through private facilities could face costs ranging from around Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 1.7 million, depending on the services required, placing private treatment beyond the reach of many families.
The situation is particularly concerning for pediatric cancer patients, whose treatment cannot afford prolonged delays, according to medical sources.CT simulation is a specialized planning procedure that uses a CT scanner to map the precise area to be treated before radiation therapy begins. It is essential for patients undergoing treatment with a linear accelerator, as it allows doctors to accurately plan radiation fields while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
However, the service has reportedly been disrupted since April 28, with authorities currently relying on PET scans for treatment planning. Medical sources said this is not considered the preferred method for CT simulation and could further complicate the timely delivery of radiation therapy.With more than 1,000 patients reportedly on the waiting list, concerns are mounting that further delays could have serious consequences for those awaiting treatment.For families unable to wait for treatment through the State health system, private facilities remain an option—but one that comes at a prohibitive cost.
The Daily Mirror had previously highlighted the growing challenges faced by cancer patients, including disruptions to radiation therapy caused by malfunctioning equipment.According to informed sources, waiting lists for radiation treatment had increased significantly due to problems with linear accelerator machines. Of the five machines available, two had reportedly been out of service, further reducing the capacity to provide timely treatment.
