India has released its first nationally developed evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer treatment and palliation to standardise diagnosis, stage-wise treatment, and early integration of palliative care across public and private healthcare systems. The guidelines provide 15 context-specific recommendations tailored to India’s high disease burden, where nearly 70–80% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages and mortality remains high. By emphasising early detection, molecular testing for personalised therapy, multidisciplinary care, and patient-centric decision-making, the framework aims to improve survival and quality of life. It also supports broader cancer control efforts under Ayushman Bharat and NPCDCS, while promoting indigenous, cost-effective clinical practices suited to India’s resource settings. Overall, the initiative seeks to reduce treatment disparities, strengthen health system capacity, and advance equitable, evidence-based cancer care nationwide.
Click to View MoreIndia’s public health spending remains persistently low, with total government expenditure hovering around 1.5–2% of GDP, far below the 2.5% target set by the National Health Policy. While States have gradually increased their health allocations, the Union government’s share as a percentage of GDP has declined after a temporary rise during COVID-19. This underinvestment leads to overburdened public hospitals, weak primary healthcare, high out-of-pocket expenses, and regional inequalities. Despite major initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission, inadequate and inconsistent funding continues to limit progress toward universal, affordable, and equitable healthcare in India.
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