Radiation Therapy Cost In India

Radiation therapy is a key element of cancer care in India. Despite the availability of advanced technologies and treatments, radiotherapy remains one of the most important and effective ways to treat various cancers. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the need for radiotherapy, ultimately influencing the radiation therapy cost in India.

One of the primary reasons for the need for radiotherapy is the increasing incidence of cancer in the country, as a growing number of people are diagnosed with various types of the disease each year. Therefore, this therapy has become an essential tool in the fight against cancer by helping destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. While chemotherapy and surgery are also widely used to treat cancer, radiation therapy uniquely targets cancer cells with high-energy radiation.

What Is The Cost of Radiation Therapy in India?

Radiation therapists are medical specialists who use radiation treatment to manage cancer and other ailments. They work alongside oncologists and other healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient, tailored to their needs. Moreover, the typical radiation therapy cost in India varies and ranges from Rs. 50,000* to Rs 1,00,000*. Radiation therapists are in charge of providing radiation therapy to patients securely and efficiently.

They use advanced technology to target cancer cells while minimising exposure to healthy tissues. In addition, radiation therapists work closely with medical physicists and dosimetrists to develop treatment plans that maximise the therapeutic benefits of radiation therapy while minimising side effects.

In addition to their clinical duties, radiation therapists in India are also involved in research and education. They participate in clinical trials and other studies to improve radiation therapy's effectiveness and safety. They also work to educate patients and the public about the benefits and risks of radiation therapy and the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.

*Cost varies from hospital to hospital

How Do Different Radiation Therapy Types Influence The Cost?

Here's a look at some of India's most common types of radiation therapy and their associated costs.

External Beam Radiation Therapy

This is a more prevalent radiation treatment in which radiation is given via the outside of the body using the equipment. The external beam radiation therapy cost in India can range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 ($680 to $1360) for a full treatment.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a radiation treatment that includes the temporary or permanent placement of a radioactive substance within the body. The cost of brachytherapy in India can range from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 ($1360 to $6800), depending on the type of cancer and the specific treatment plan.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

SBRT is a form of external beam radiation treatment that delivers large amounts of radiation to tiny tumours using a very accurate approach. The cost of SBRT in India can range from Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 3,00,000 ($2040 to $4080) for a full course of treatment.

Factors Influencing Radiation Therapy Costs In India

In India, the cost of radiation therapy may vary according to an array of parameters, such as the kind and degree of cancer, the location of the treatment facility, and the form of radiation therapy applied. While the cost of treatment can be a significant financial burden for patients, radiation therapists play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. Let's look at some factors influencing radiation therapy cost:

Location of the Treatment Centre

Radiation therapy costs might vary depending on the facility chosen for treatment. For example, private hospitals in major cities may charge more for treatment than government-run hospitals and clinics in rural areas.

Type and Stage of Cancer

Radiation cancer treatment cost depending on factors such as the kind and stage of cancer getting managed. For example, more advanced stages of cancer may require more complex treatment plans and higher doses of radiation, which can increase the overall Radiation therapy cost. 

Treatment Duration

The duration of radiation therapy can also affect the cost. For example, some types of radiation therapy may require a shorter treatment, while others may require several weeks or months.

Insurance Coverage

Radiation treatment insurance coverage might differ based on the kind of insurance and the individual policy. Patients are encouraged to research their insurance coverage to see what is thoroughly and is not included.

Financial Assistance Programs

Some government and non-profit organisations in India offer financial assistance programs to help patients cover the radiation therapy cost. These initiatives may greatly assist people who cannot pay the price of the therapy.

Best Radiation Therapy Cities In India And Their Charges

Here are some of the best radiation therapy cities in India and their charges:

Mumbai

Several of the nation's finest radiation treatment facilities are located in Mumbai. The city has several renowned radiation therapists known for their exceptional skills and expertise in the field. The fees vary between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 15,000 every session, depending on the kind of cancer and the disease's progression.

Delhi

Delhi is another city that has several top-notch radiation therapy centres. The city has some of the most experienced radiation therapists in the country who are renowned for their patient-centric approach and personalised treatment plans Radiation therapy Costs in Delhi might range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 per session.

Chennai

Chennai has several world-class radiation therapy centres with the latest technology and equipment. The city has some of the most experienced radiation therapists in the country who are known for their compassionate approach towards their patients. The Radiation therapy cost in Chennai can range from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 per session.

Note: The above-mentioned cost is the average charge by the cities.

Top Hospitals For Radiation Therapy In India And Their Cost

Here are some of the best hospitals for radiation therapy in India and their radiation therapy costs:

Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai

Tata Memorial Hospital is a renowned cancer treatment centre in India known for its state-of-the-art radiation therapy facilities. The hospital has some of the most experienced radiation therapists in the country who are recognised for their exceptional skills and expertise. The radiation therapy cost at Tata Memorial Hospital can range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 per session. Additionally, the hospital has several financial assistance programs too.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi

AIIMS, is a premier medical institute in India that offers advanced radiation therapy facilities and services. The hospital has several renowned radiation therapists known for their patient-centric approach and personalised treatment plans. The cost at AIIMS can range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 50,000 per session, depending on different factors.

Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

CMC Vellore is a well-known South India hospital offering advanced radiation therapy facilities and services. The hospital has some of the most experienced radiation therapists in the country who are recognised for their exceptional skills and expertise. The Radiation therapy cost at CMC Vellore can range from Rs. 8,000 to Rs.10 000 per session.

What Steps Are Taken To Make Radiation Therapy In India Affordable To All?

Here are some of the steps being taken:

Government initiatives

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to make cancer treatment affordable. For instance, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme provides free cancer treatment to eligible patients, including radiation therapy. Additionally, the government is investing in infrastructure development to provide better services to patients with better Radiation therapy costs in India.

Price regulation

The Indian government has also implemented price regulations to make radiation therapy services more affordable. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped the prices of essential drugs and medical devices used in radiation therapy, making them more affordable for patients.

Public-private partnerships

The government is also encouraging public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector to make radiation therapy services more affordable. Private healthcare providers are being incentivised to set up facilities in underserved areas. Moreover, the government provides financial assistance to make these services affordable.

Philanthropic initiatives

Many NGOs and charitable organisations in India are working to provide financial assistance to cancer patients. These initiatives provide financial aid to patients to cover the cost of radiation therapy and other cancer treatment expenses.

The Relation Between Medical Tourism And Radiation Therapy Cost In India

Medical tourism is a growing trend in India, with thousands of international patients seeking high-quality healthcare services at a lower cost than in their home countries. One area that has seen a significant rise in medical tourism is radiation therapy for cancer treatment. In India, however, radiation therapy costs significantly lower than in many developed countries, making it an attractive option for patients seeking affordable cancer treatment.

Despite the lower Radiation therapy Cost in India, patients who choose to travel for treatment should still do their research and carefully consider their options. Patients should also be aware of the potential risks associated with travelling for medical treatment, such as the possibility of complications during travel or difficulties accessing follow-up care.

The relationship between medical tourism and radiation therapy cost in India is complex and multifaceted. While the lower cost of radiation therapy in India has made it an attractive option for many international patients, it is important for patients to carefully consider their options and seek out reputable and experienced medical facilities.

Things To Remember

Here are a few key facts associated with radiation therapy costs in India:

• The cost of radiation therapy can vary widely in India, with some treatment centres charging significantly more than others.
• The cost of radiation therapy is influenced by several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the location of the treatment centre, and the specific treatment techniques used.
• Patients in government-run hospitals and clinics may be able to receive radiation therapy at little to no cost, while private hospitals and clinics tend to charge more for treatment.
• Insurance coverage for radiation therapy can vary depending on the type of insurance and the specific policy. Therefore, patients are advised to carefully review their insurance policies to understand what is covered and what is not.
• Patients who cannot afford the cost of radiation therapy may be able to access financial assistance programs offered by government and non-profit organisations.

Conclusion

Now that you might have got all your answers (we hope you did), One can say Radiation therapy is a crucial treatment option for cancer patients in India. Its non-invasive and precise nature makes it a highly effective tool in the fight against cancer. Furthermore, efforts to expand access to radiation therapy services will be essential in improving cancer treatment outcomes and saving lives in the country.

By understanding the factors that influence the Radiation therapy cost in India and exploring all available options for financial assistance, patients can make informed decisions about their care and receive the treatment they need to fight cancer. Regarding medical tourism solutions, one can visit the Adotrip and enjoy hassle-free services and assistance for travel.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Radiation Therapy

Q1. How does the Radiation therapy cost compare with other Asian countries?
Ans. In general, radiation therapy in India is relatively affordable compared to other Asian countries. This is due to lower labour costs, government subsidies for cancer treatments, and the availability of high-quality medical facilities. For example, the cost of a full course of radiation therapy in India can range from $2,000 to $7,000, depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. In contrast, the same treatment can cost upwards of $10,000 in countries like Japan and South Korea.

Q2. Are there any hidden costs associated with Radiation therapy in India?
Ans. One of the main hidden Radiation therapy costs in India is the expense of transportation. Depending on where the patient lives, they may need to travel long distances to receive radiation therapy, which can be costly in terms of time and money. Sometimes, patients may need several weekly trips to the treatment centre, which can add to a significant expense. Another hidden cost of radiation therapy is the cost of managing side effects.

Q3. Are any tax benefits or deductions available for radiation therapy expenses in India?
Ans. Under Section 80DDB of the Income Tax Act, individuals can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 40,000 for expenses related to treating specified diseases, including cancer. This deduction can be claimed for expenses incurred for the patient's treatment and the treatment of dependents. In addition, individuals with disabilities or their caretakers can claim deductions under Section 80U and Section 80DD of the Income Tax Act, respectively.

Q4. How can patients save money on radiation therapy in India?
Ans. One of the best ways to save money on radiation therapy is to explore all available options for healthcare facilities and providers. Some hospitals and clinics may offer more affordable rates than others, and it's important to research these options and compare Radiation therapy costs before deciding. Another option to save money on radiation therapy is to ask the healthcare provider about any available discounts or payment plans.

Q5. Mention a top Government scheme for getting Radiation therapy.
Ans. The top government scheme for getting radiation therapy in India is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), also known as Ayushman Bharat. The government launched this scheme in 2018 to provide financial protection and healthcare access to the economically vulnerable sections of society.

Q6. Why is there ever-rising demand for radiation therapy in India?
Ans. The need for radiation therapy in India is significant, given the high incidence of cancer in the country. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, an estimated 1.5 million new cancer cases are reported annually in India. This number is expected to rise to 1.7 million by 2025. Given this prevalence, radiotherapy is a critical tool in the fight against cancer in India. Furthermore, Radiation therapy services in India are currently limited and underfunded due to rising Radiotherapy costs.