Dark Side of Cancer Treatment: When Hospitals Put Profit Before Patient Care

When it comes to cancer treatment, the focus should rightly be on providing the most effective and appropriate care to save lives and alleviate suffering. However, as a former radiation oncologist, I witnessed firsthand how hospitals can prioritize profit over patient welfare in the pursuit of financial gain.

The Reality of Elderly Radiotherapy

Working in a cancer hospital, I quickly realized that the environment was not solely dedicated to patient welfare but was often driven by financial motivations. Patients were being treated based on their ability to pay rather than their medical needs. In one instance, an Auto Driver came to me with tears, pleading for me to provide more payment time for his mother who was undergoing treatment. His mother had advanced cancer that had spread to multiple organs, yet she was on an expensive 1.5 lakh treatment plan, which was far more than necessary. Despite the high cost, the hospital continued to prioritize profit over pain management or palliative care, which would have been appropriate given the prognosis.

Unnecessary Treatments and Bribery

One of the most egregious practices I encountered was the administration of unnecessary higher treatments simply for the sake of earning more profit. For instance, a 3D technique that could easily and effectively treat a condition cost merely 50k in other hospitals. However, doctors in my hospital often chose more advanced techniques that cost significantly more, simply to increase their own earnings. Even palliative treatments that cost around 20k were often not the preferred option, as they did not bring in the same profit margin as more expensive treatments.

Medical Ethics and Financial Incentives

The practice of doctors receiving incentives based on the number of patients treated and the package of their choice was particularly troubling. Staff were motivated to assign higher packages, thus increasing their bonuses, regardless of the actual medical need. Palliative care, which often involves fewer and less expensive treatments, was often neglected. In one case, a Critical Care Unit (CCU) patient was treated with a higher package if they had sufficient funds, and a lower package if they were financially constrained.

Misuse of Religious Practices

The hospital even resorted to religious practices to increase their patient count. Calling in a priest for a pooja (religious ceremony) to boost patient numbers was a transparent attempt to increase revenue. The directors and managers were more concerned with the financial performance of the department than with the patients' well-being. Such actions not only undermine trust in healthcare providers but also show a profound lack of ethical considerations.

The Quality of Care and the Role of the Radiation Oncologist

The true quality of care can be seen in the treatment assigned by the radiation oncologist. A diligent radiologist assigns treatments based on the patient's need and not on their ability to pay. One such doc that I knew dedicated himself to treating the majority of his patients with lower packages by focusing on effective and suitable treatments rather than more profit-driven ones. This doc ensured that even patients with less financial means received valid and appropriate care.

The Need for Regulation

The lack of regulation and oversight in the field of radiation oncology is alarming. Patients are often unaware of the various techniques available and their respective efficacy. The need for a regulatory board to standardize treatment costs and ensure that each patient receives appropriate care, regardless of the hospital or their financial status, is critical. Without such oversight, the practice of treating patients based on their ability to pay instead of their medical condition remains prevalent.

In conclusion, hospitals must prioritize patient care over profit. The ethical and moral responsibility of healthcare providers is to ensure that every patient receives the appropriate treatment, not just the most expensive one. A regulatory body is needed to mandate uniform treatment costs and ensure accountability, leading to better outcomes for patients and a more equitable system.