The High Cost of Cancer Treatment in Pakistan: A Crisis Within a Crisis
Cancer is a devastating disease—not just for the body, but for the emotional and financial well-being of patients and their families. In Pakistan, the burden of cancer is compounded by the staggering cost of treatment, which puts it out of reach for a large portion of the population. Despite some government and charity-backed efforts, cancer care remains a luxury that many cannot afford. This blog explores why cancer treatment in Pakistan is so expensive and what can be done to address this critical issue.
The Growing Cancer Burden
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan sees over 170,000 new cancer cases each year. Common types include breast, lung, liver, oral, and colorectal cancers. The incidence of cancer is rising due to factors such as poor diet, pollution, tobacco use, and lack of early screening. But while the number of patients is increasing, access to affordable treatment remains alarmingly limited.
Why Is Cancer Treatment So Expensive in Pakistan?
1. Lack of Infrastructure and Facilities
Pakistan has only a handful of comprehensive cancer treatment centers such as Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and a few public-sector hospitals with oncology departments. Most of these are located in major cities, making access difficult for patients from rural or remote areas.
2. Cost of Diagnosis
Cancer diagnosis involves a series of expensive tests—biopsies, MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, and genetic testing. Even these initial steps can cost tens of thousands of rupees, which is unaffordable for many.
3. Imported Medicines and Equipment
Pakistan heavily relies on imported chemotherapy drugs, radiation machines, and diagnostic tools. Import taxes, currency devaluation, and supply chain issues drastically increase the cost of these essential resources.
4. Absence of Health Insurance
Only a small percentage of the Pakistani population has access to health insurance. Most cancer patients have to pay out of pocket, leading to financial ruin for many families. The Sehat Sahulat Program introduced by the government offers some relief, but it doesn’t fully cover cancer treatment or reach everyone in need.
5. Expensive Private Sector
Private hospitals charge exorbitant fees for cancer treatment. A single chemotherapy session can cost from PKR 50,000 to PKR 200,000, and multiple sessions are required. Surgery, radiation, and follow-up care increase the costs further.
The Human Cost: Stories of Struggle
Behind the statistics are countless stories of pain and sacrifice. Families sell land, jewelry, and homes to pay for treatment. Some abandon treatment halfway due to financial constraints, leading to preventable deaths. For many, a cancer diagnosis feels like a death sentence—not just medically, but financially.
What Needs to Be Done?
1. Strengthen Public Hospitals
Government hospitals must be equipped with modern cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities, especially in rural areas. More cancer care units should be established in underserved regions.
2. Encourage Local Production of Medicines
Local pharmaceutical companies should be supported to produce chemotherapy drugs and other essential cancer medications to reduce dependency on imports.
3. Expand Health Coverage
Programs like Sehat Sahulat must expand their coverage and include comprehensive cancer treatment. Private insurers should also be encouraged to offer cancer-specific policies.
4. Invest in Early Detection and Awareness
Public health campaigns promoting early diagnosis can reduce the overall cost of treatment. The earlier the cancer is detected, the easier and cheaper it is to treat.
5. Strengthen Partnerships with NGOs
NGOs like Shaukat Khanum, Indus Hospital, and other charitable organizations need continuous support from both the public and private sectors to provide free or subsidized treatment.