Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in India: Challenges and Solutions

What is AML?

• AML is a type of blood cancer that grows fast and affects the blood and bone marrow.
• It is the most common leukaemia in adults.
• Without treatment, it can cause serious health problems.
• In India, AML patients are diagnosed at a younger age (around 40 years) compared to richer countries.
• Many patients find out late, making treatment harder.

Challenges in AML Treatment

• Lack of good hospitals and testing centres leads to delayed treatment.
• High costs make it difficult for many patients to afford care.
• Government health schemes help, but do not cover initial tests, causing delays.
• Rural patients face extra problems, like traveling long distances for treatment.
• Public hospitals often lack resources, while private hospitals are too expensive.

Government Initiatives

• Ayushman Bharat helps provide affordable cancer care, but more action is needed.
• Solutions include:
  • Training local doctors to identify AML early.
  • Setting up more testing centres in smaller cities.
  • Improving data collection for better tracking of AML cases.
  • Encouraging public-private partnerships for better treatment facilities.

Improving Healthcare for AML

• Better hospitals and treatment centres should be developed.
• Standard guidelines for AML care should be followed nationwide.
• India should be included in global research trials for new treatments.
• Making generic cancer medicines available at lower costs can help more patients.

Helping Patients Get Treatment Faster

• Early diagnosis is key to saving lives.
• Treatment should be affordable and easier to access.
• The healthcare system should support patients at every step, from diagnosis to recovery.

With stronger policies, better hospitals, and affordable treatments, India can improve survival rates for AML patients.