Cancer incidence in India is increasing at a 6.8 percent annualized rate, according to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The estimated number of cases for 2022 is 1.9-2 million, but the actual number could be 1.5-3 times higher. The oncology market in India is expected to grow 11-12 percent by 2024, reaching Rs 26,300 crore. However, the current 470-485 comprehensive cancer care centers serve only 55-60% of the population, resulting in a significant demand-supply gap.

Cancer's impact extends beyond well-being, as nearly 45 percent of families with cancer patients face overwhelming financial burdens, with 25 percent being pushed below the poverty line. Treatment costs in India are nearly double the average annual income, posing a severe economic burden.

The hub-and-spoke model appears to be a promising method of bridging the healthcare divide in India's rural communities by establishing primary and secondary healthcare facilities.

The Patient-Centered Hub-and-Spoke Model for Improving Cancer Care

The hub and spoke model for cancer care embraces a patient-centric approach, providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare services.

The model involves a specialized cancer center as the central hub, offering advanced diagnostics and treatment facilities, a multidisciplinary team, and "spoke" centers for routine check-ups, follow-ups, repetitive treatments, and supportive care.

In India, where long-distance travel for medical facilities can be prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging, patients can access routine care and medication at the "spokes" and only visit the "hub" during critical situations. This patient-focused model ensures convenient access to comprehensive cancer services, personalized treatment plans, and emotional support, thus enhancing the overall quality of care.

Reduce Costs by Centralizing the Most Expensive Services

Rural healthcare faces challenges like suboptimal care, limited facilities, low awareness, and affordability issues. 70% of Indians prioritize basic necessities, leaving little for healthcare expenses. Lack of transportation and infrastructure makes accessing medical facilities difficult, leading to burdensome travel to urban areas. Cancer treatment is prolonged, resulting in high costs for travel, accommodation, and income loss.

The hub-and-spoke model emerges as a transformative solution, extending specialized cancer care to remote regions. Establishing spokes in rural areas provides comprehensive care near patients' homes, reducing travel costs. This approach enhances accessibility and affordability, effectively bridging the healthcare gap in rural communities.

Why to Choose Hub-and-Spoke Model?

The hub-and-spoke model improves cancer diagnosis and treatment in rural areas using advanced imaging technologies and teleconferencing for efficient treatment planning and personalized care.

Additionally, the model promotes collaboration among healthcare professionals through telemedicine, ensuring remote diagnosis, ongoing support, and specialized treatment protocols tailored to rural populations. This multidisciplinary approach fosters continuity of care, optimizing cancer outcomes for rural patients.

Hub-and-Spoke Model's Role in Future

The hub-and-spoke model aims to revolutionize cancer care in rural India by improving accessibility and treatment quality, extending specialized care, and integrating innovative technologies through shared resources from centralized hubs.

To achieve its full potential, infrastructure development, telecommunications expansion, and training for healthcare professionals are crucial. Stakeholders must embrace patient journeys beyond physical spaces for long-term, seamless care.

The future of healthcare belongs to those who bridge the gap and provide comprehensive services to individuals in remote and underserved areas through physical and digital omnichannel systems.