Government promises free cancer treatment for children, experts note serious gaps

Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel announced on Sunday that the government will provide free treatment to children up to 14 years of age suffering from various types of cancer.

The move is the latest in a series of populist statements Paudel has made since taking office about three months ago.

While most of these initiatives—reducing hospital waiting times, increasing government health insurance coverage to Rs 500,000 and providing outpatient care during holidays—have yet to be implemented, Paudel continues to announce new free programs.

According to a press statement issued by Paudel’s secretariat, starting November 16, free cancer treatment will be provided by Kanthi Children’s Hospital, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital and BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Chitwan.

The federal government has already allocated Rs 100,000 to help every cancer patient, including children, while the provincial government is providing another Rs 100,000. Officials said the Ministry of Health will cover any additional amount needed to treat children under 14 years of age with cancer from its internal sources.

A few days ago, Paudel also promised free assistance to disadvantaged burn victims who cannot afford treatment costs.

However, most burn care facilities provide only basic treatment, which often does not ensure patient safety.

Experts welcomed the government’s decisions. However, they questioned the effectiveness and sustainability of the programs announced by Paudel. They say previous ministers and governments would have made similar decisions if there were simple solutions.

“Most of the programs announced by the present health minister cannot be implemented due to various restrictions,” said Dr Sagar Rajbhandari, a health expert. “These populist statements may impress those who are unaware of the limitations and operating style of our health care system, but the reality is very different.”

Due to the lack of positron emission tomography (PET), immunohistochemistry, bone marrow transplantation and other tests available for children, patients are often forced to travel to India for treatment. Health facilities providing cancer care to children said they lacked support staff, including trained nurses and paramedics.

“Along with the decision to provide free care to children with cancer, we hope that the government will invest in improving health facilities with necessary equipment and trained human resources, which will help ensure quality care in the country,” said Dr Sudhir Sapkota, pediatric oncologist Canty Children’s Hospital. “Many patients cannot afford to travel to India for these tests.”

According to doctors, a PET scan is necessary to determine the stage of cancer. This test is more accurate than any other at detecting local or metastatic tumors (those that have spread to other parts of the body).

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is commonly used to diagnose cancer, predict response, and determine likely disease outcomes. It also helps differentiate between different types of cancer.

Likewise, bone marrow replacement is necessary when the existing bone marrow cannot work properly with new stem cells. A bone marrow transplant provides new stem cells that help kill cancer cells directly.

“If we can start offering the above-mentioned services domestically, patients will not have to travel to India or other countries for treatment,” Sapkota said. “I hope the government will also work to address these shortcomings in the coming days.”

It is estimated that every year in Nepal, about 1,500 children under the age of 14 suffer from various types of cancer. Of these, about 200 seek treatment at Canty Children’s Hospital. Hospital doctors said about 50 percent of patients suffer from blood cancer.

Those who seek help in the first and second stages of cancer have a chance of a full recovery. However, due to the lack of diagnostic facilities in most parts of the country, many patients seek treatment in the third and fourth stages.