Full JPMC cancer care estimated at Rs3 million to Rs4m
JPMC cancer patients often leave care unfinished because newer drugs and chemotherapy stay costly even when surgery and radiotherapy are free at the Karachi hospital.
Doctors said about 25 percent of cancer patients at JPMC in Karachi abandon treatment because of financial hardship.
Surgery and radiotherapy at the public hospital are free; newer immunotherapies and targeted therapies are costly.
Dr Ghulam Haider estimated complete cancer care at Rs3 million to Rs4 million and asked for permanent government assistance.
Dr Saima Zahoor said more than 60 percent of breast cancer patients are delayed by social pressure, fear, misconceptions or cost.
A Shaukat Khanum Hospital specialist said some families borrow money or sell their homes to pay for treatment.