Cancer patients in Madhya Pradesh are facing a double challenge of rising treatment costs and limited availability of critical chemotherapy drugs. The cost of chemotherapy has increased by ₹2,000–3,000 per session following a price revision for Carboplatin and Cisplatin, two of the most widely used medicines in cancer treatment. Medical experts warn that since most patients require four to six chemotherapy cycles, the overall financial burden could increase substantially. At the same time, hospitals in Bhopal and other parts of the state continue to report shortages of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, creating concerns about treatment continuity for thousands of patients.

The development comes after the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) approved an increase in the prices of Carboplatin and Cisplatin. According to reports, the move was aimed at addressing supply shortages and helping manufacturers resume production amid rising costs.

Supply Disruptions Impact Treatment

Oncologists say platinum-based drugs such as Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Oxaliplatin play a central role in treating several major cancers, including lung, breast, ovarian, cervical, oral, and head-and-neck cancers. These medicines are considered part of the standard first-line treatment for many cancer patients.

Medical professionals report that disruptions in the global supply chain have affected the availability of these drugs across the country. As a result, some hospitals have been forced to modify treatment protocols, while others are struggling to maintain adequate stock levels for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Although alternative chemotherapy drugs remain available, experts note that platinum-based medicines are difficult to replace in certain treatment regimens, making their availability critical for patient outcomes.

Rising Financial Burden

According to cancer specialists, Cisplatin has been one of the most reliable and affordable chemotherapy drugs used in combination with radiotherapy for more than two decades. Its affordability has made it particularly important for middle-income and lower-income patients.

Doctors point out that alternatives such as immunotherapy can cost several times more, placing them beyond the reach of many families. With the latest price increase, patients already dealing with long-term treatment expenses may face additional financial pressure.

Former medical college professor Dr. O.P. Singh stated that Cisplatin is used in nearly 70 percent of chemotherapy regimens in India. This means any disruption in its supply or pricing has a direct impact on a large segment of cancer patients nationwide.

Industry and Policy Response

Industry sources attribute the shortage to rising raw material costs and disruptions in international supply chains. Pharmaceutical companies have argued that fixed price controls under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) made production financially challenging as manufacturing costs increased.

The recent price revision is expected to encourage manufacturers to restore production levels and improve availability. However, experts believe it could take several weeks before supplies stabilize across hospitals and cancer treatment centers.

For now, patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers continue to monitor the situation closely. The shortage of essential chemotherapy drugs and the resulting increase in treatment costs have emerged as a major public health concern, highlighting the challenges facing India's cancer care system.