A Crisis of Care: Organ Failure Patients Face Exorbitant Costs Amidst Government Healthcare Shortfalls in Chandigarh

The heart-wrenching reality for organ failure patients in Chandigarh is a steep and often unbearable financial burden. As public healthcare facilities struggle to keep pace with demand, many are left with no choice but to turn to expensive private hospitals, where costs can skyrocket by as much as 140%.

This disparity isn't just about numbers; it's about lives, livelihoods, and the crushing weight of medical debt.

Chandigarh, a city known for its planned infrastructure, faces a grim paradox in its healthcare system. While institutions like the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) offer highly subsidized or even free treatments, the sheer volume of patients means long waiting lists and limited access to critical services.

Other government hospitals, such as Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH-32) and Government Multi-specialty Hospital (GMSH-16), also battle resource constraints, leaving a significant void in specialized care.

Consider the plight of a patient requiring regular dialysis. In a government setup, a session might cost a minimal fee or be free for eligible beneficiaries.

However, for those who cannot secure a slot or face urgent needs, private clinics charge thousands of rupees per session, often leading to monthly expenses that can cripple a family's finances. Over time, these costs accumulate, pushing families into a vicious cycle of debt and despair.

The situation is even more dire for organ transplants.

A kidney transplant, a life-saving procedure, can be performed at a fraction of the private cost in public hospitals. Yet, the hurdles—from donor matching challenges to the scarcity of operation theatre slots and specialized medical teams—are formidable. Patients and their families often spend months, sometimes years, navigating these complexities, only to be confronted with the grim reality that private intervention might be their only immediate option, despite the astronomical price tag.

Experts and patient advocates lament the current state, highlighting the urgent need for a robust expansion of public healthcare infrastructure.

They argue that investing in more dialysis units, increasing the number of transplant specialists, and upgrading diagnostic and surgical equipment in government hospitals is not merely a budgetary decision but a moral imperative. Without these vital improvements, the dream of affordable, accessible healthcare remains just that—a dream—for countless individuals battling life-threatening organ failure.

The emotional toll on patients and their caregivers is immeasurable.

Beyond the physical pain, the constant anxiety over finances and the race against time to secure treatment add layers of psychological stress. Families are forced to deplete savings, sell assets, and borrow heavily, all in a desperate bid to keep their loved ones alive.

This crisis underscores a fundamental flaw in the healthcare system's design and funding.

While private facilities undoubtedly play a role, their services must not become the sole viable option for critical care due to public sector inadequacies. Chandigarh, as a beacon of modernity, must urgently address these disparities, ensuring that no resident is denied life-saving treatment simply because they cannot afford the exorbitant costs of private care.

The time for comprehensive reform and significant investment in public health is now, to truly uphold the right to health for all.