Often referred to as silent killer, cancer is still an incurable disease and second deadly life-threatening disease after MI and cardiovascular disease.
A speedy surge in cancer cases has been witnessed in Kashmir over the last six years. A total of 80,000 cases have been reported during this time with the highest number of cases,14,112, reported in 2023-2024.
Cancer has several types and its treatment depends upon the nature, spread and stage of the disease. The diagnosis of the cancer is little complicated and time consuming. Since in some cases the cancer spreads very quickly, and very early diagnosis is needed so that the spread of the disease can be controlled.
Since cancer needs to be diagnosed by various tests including PET Scan. PET is almost same as CT Scan. CT Scan, on an average, costs Rs. 3000-4000 Rs and PET Scan has average charge of 11000 outside Kashmir but taking the advantage of monopoly of having this machine, Medicare Hospital is Charging Rs. 27000.
Now the administration has to look into the matter for the sake of the patients who are at high risk that what is the reason of charging so much amount for a test which is done at 11000 Rs outside Kashmir.
Experts say that if the hospital is asking that dye or medicine is coming from Delhi by air every morning flight, for that they even can’t charge such huge sum. If Medicare has taken initiative then it’s their responsibility to get the raw material or chemical used in this test and make it available, for that they can’t charge extra, Common sense says that a flight can charge as per weight which is not more than 4000 to 5000 Rs. If hospital can attend 10 to 20 patients a day, each patient has to pay extra convenience charge not more than 200 Rs. Why they are charging 12000 Rs extra.
Thus voices are appealing to the esteemed Secretary Health, Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory administration to look into aspect.
Good to note we wish Government should intervene