Sharp 11% Rise in Treatment Costs Due to Respiratory and Cardiac Cases
A concerning report from the Indian Health Economics and Policy Institute (IHEPI) highlights an 11% increase in medical treatment costs over the past year, driven by rising severe respiratory and cardiac cases. The surge in prolonged illnesses, advanced treatments, and hospitalization rates is straining India’s healthcare system, burdening both patients and hospitals.
Why Respiratory and Cardiac Diseases Are Surging
The report identifies chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, and post-COVID complications as key respiratory drivers. Meanwhile, hypertension, heart attacks, and heart failure—especially among younger adults—are escalating cardiac care expenses.
Dr. Ananya Reddy, a senior pulmonologist at AIIMS Delhi, warns:
“Air pollution, seasonal infections, and delayed post-COVID recoveries are worsening symptoms, leading to longer ICU stays and costly interventions like ventilators and ECMO.”
Cardiologists also report an alarming rise in heart disease among 30–40-year-olds, attributing it to stress, sedentary lifestyles, and poor diets.
Key Factors Behind Rising Medical Costs
- Advanced Treatments – Angioplasties, bypass surgeries, and prolonged ventilator use significantly increase hospital bills.
- Higher Drug Prices – Supply chain disruptions have inflated costs of inhalers, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants.
- Diagnostic Expenses – Frequent CT scans, MRIs, and blood tests add to out-of-pocket costs.
- Hospital Overcrowding – Higher patient loads raise operational expenses, including staffing and equipment maintenance.
Financial Strain on Middle- and Low-Income Families
The crisis hits middle- and lower-income families hardest, with 65% of surveyed patients relying on savings or loans to cover expenses.
Ramesh Kumar, a Delhi resident, shared:
“My father’s COPD treatment cost ₹3.5 lakh in two weeks—we had to sell jewelry to afford it.”
Government and Insurance Responses
While Ayushman Bharat aids some, middle-class families often lack coverage. Experts urge:
– Expanding insurance inclusivity
– Regulating private healthcare pricing
Insurers report a 20% spike in cardiac-related claims, prompting premium hikes.
Solutions to Curb Rising Healthcare Costs
- Boost Preventive Care – Promote awareness of lifestyle diseases and pollution risks.
- Expand Insurance – Affordable policies for middle-income groups.
- Regulate Drug & Procedure Prices – Prevent overcharging in private hospitals.
- Strengthen Public Healthcare – More funding for government hospitals.
The Path Forward
With respiratory and cardiac diseases still rising, preventive measures, policy reforms, and better insurance are critical to easing the crisis.
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