New Rules Exclude Experienced Oncologists from Ayushman Bharat Scheme in India
New PMJAY rule bars hundreds of experienced cancer specialists from treating patients under Ayushman Bharat scheme; Here's the reason why
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
New eligibility rules under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) are excluding hundreds of experienced oncologists in India from treating patients. This decision, based on the lack of recognized super-speciality degrees, could worsen access to cancer care, especially in smaller cities.
- 01Over 300 experienced oncologists are excluded from treating PMJAY patients due to new eligibility rules.
- 02India faces a severe shortage of oncologists, with only one medical oncologist per million people.
- 03The exclusion is based on the lack of NMC-recognized super-speciality degrees, despite many oncologists having extensive fellowship training.
- 04Medical associations are advocating for changes to the eligibility criteria to include fellowship-trained oncologists.
- 05The issue arises from differing interpretations of rules between the National Health Authority and the National Medical Commission.
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India detects around 1.5 million cancer cases annually, yet new rules under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) are excluding over 300 experienced oncologists from treating patients. The exclusion stems from a requirement for recognized super-speciality degrees, sidelining many fellowship-trained oncologists who have significant experience in the field. This decision could severely limit access to cancer treatment, particularly in smaller cities where private insurance is scarce. Doctors argue that the new guidelines, established after the National Medical Commission replaced the Medical Council of India in 2020, should not apply retrospectively, and they are pushing for eligibility to be extended to those trained through fellowships. The Indian Medical Association and the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology are advocating for this change, emphasizing the need for experienced professionals to address the existing shortage of cancer specialists in the country.
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The exclusion of experienced oncologists from PMJAY could lead to longer wait times for cancer treatment, particularly affecting low-income patients who rely on government insurance.
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