Study Recommends Broader Cancer Coverage, Early Detection in Ayushman Bharat
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FinCan Study: Ayushman Bharat Must Expand Cancer Care, Prioritize Early Detection
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News18•15-03-2026, 17:30
FinCan Study: Ayushman Bharat Must Expand Cancer Care, Prioritize Early Detection
•The FinCan study, led by Dr Abhishek Shankar of AIIMS Delhi, highlights Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY's role as a lifeline for cancer patients but identifies significant gaps.
•AB-PMJAY has covered over 68 lakh cancer treatments worth Rs 13,000 crore since 2018, improving access and increasing treatment initiation by 90% within 30 days of diagnosis.
•A major gap exists: AB-PMJAY allocates Rs 7,700 crore annually for cancer, while the full 5-year Standard of Care requires Rs 33,000 crore.
•The study recommends "smarter spending" through early diagnosis and treatment, projecting annual savings of Rs 1,500 crore and 1,560 additional survivors.
•Key policy reforms include a Rs 25 lakh "revolving ceiling" over five years, a Rs 10 lakh top-up for high-stage cancers, and embedding diagnostic coverage and screening into the scheme.